Coastal birding habitat

Cabrillo Beach and pier

California · Southwest

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Cabrillo Beach and pier is a productive birding destination in California, with 253 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Surf Scoter, Bufflehead, and Rock Pigeon among many others. The unique desert and riparian habitats support specialty species alongside wintering and migrating birds.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Brown Pelican (California)

Pelecanus occidentalis

5/29/2026Miramar Park, Torrance1 observed

Bufflehead

Bucephala albeola

5/29/2026AES Redondo Wetland1 observed

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

5/29/2026AES Redondo Wetland1 observed

Rock Pigeon

Columba livia

5/27/2026Bolsa Chica--walkbridge/inner bay1 observed

Swainson's Hawk

Buteo swainsoni

5/27/2026stakeout Swainson's Hawk, Seal Beach (2019)1 observed

Brown Pelican

Pelecanus occidentalis

5/27/2026San Gabriel River--Willow to 7th St.2 observed

Little Blue Heron

Egretta caerulea

5/27/2026Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve, Huntington Beach US-CA 33.69856, -118.046961 observed

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Pheucticus ludovicianus

5/26/20264980 Stevely Ave, Lakewood US-CA 33.84820, -118.100851 observed

Glossy x White-faced Ibis (hybrid)

Plegadis falcinellus x chihi

5/25/2026Huntington Central Park--East1 observed

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

5/25/2026Golden Shore Marine Reserve1 observed

Blue-winged Teal

Spatula discors

5/25/2026Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Surf Scoter

165/28/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

15/28/2026

Mourning Dove

15/28/2026

Heermann's Gull

65/28/2026

Western Gull

505/28/2026

Caspian Tern

45/28/2026

Elegant Tern

705/28/2026

Western Grebe

505/28/2026

Red-throated Loon

55/28/2026

Common Loon

15/28/2026

Brandt's Cormorant

1605/28/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

85/28/2026

Brown Pelican

605/28/2026

Barn Swallow

75/28/2026

Swinhoe's White-eye

25/28/2026

European Starling

105/28/2026

House Sparrow

65/28/2026

House Finch

85/28/2026

Great Blue Heron

25/17/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.

  2. 2

    Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.

  3. 3

    Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Cabrillo Beach and pier for birding?
The best months to visit Cabrillo Beach and pier for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Cabrillo Beach and pier?
Notable species at Cabrillo Beach and pier include Surf Scoter, Bufflehead, Rock Pigeon, Anna's Hummingbird, Allen's Hummingbird. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Cabrillo Beach and pier?
Birding at Cabrillo Beach and pier is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Cabrillo Beach and pier?
Cabrillo Beach and pier offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.