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

Song Sparrow (heermanni Group)

Melospiza melodia

7/18/2026Ocean Trails Reserve and golf course trails10 observed

Bufflehead

Bucephala albeola

7/17/2026AES Redondo Wetland1 observed

Mitred Parakeet

Psittacara mitratus

7/17/2026102 Ballad Lane, Huntington Beach, California, US (33.728, -118.047)50 observed

Mexican Duck

Anas diazi

7/17/2026Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve1 observed

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

7/16/2026Jack Dunster Marine Biological Reserve1 observed

Western Tanager

Piranga ludoviciana

7/16/2026Huntington Central Park, Huntington Beach US-CA 33.70278, -118.004531 observed

American Oystercatcher

Haematopus palliatus

7/16/2026Cabrillo Beach and pier1 observed

Red Knot

Calidris canutus

7/14/2026Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve2 observed

Red-whiskered Bulbul

Pycnonotus jocosus

7/14/2026Huntington Central Park--West1 observed

American Wigeon

Mareca americana

7/14/2026Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve1 observed

Chipping Sparrow

Spizella passerina

7/14/2026backyard1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Heermann's Gull

157/18/2026

Western Gull

87/18/2026

Elegant Tern

37/18/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

27/18/2026

Brown Pelican

307/18/2026

Osprey

17/18/2026

Common Raven

47/18/2026

Barn Swallow

47/18/2026

Surf Scoter

207/17/2026

Rock Pigeon

157/17/2026

Black Oystercatcher

27/17/2026

Willet

47/17/2026

Caspian Tern

17/17/2026

Pacific Loon

27/17/2026

Brandt's Cormorant

147/17/2026

American Crow

167/17/2026

House Finch

67/17/2026

Royal Tern

57/16/2026

Western Grebe

27/16/2026

Red-throated Loon

27/16/2026

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.