Cabrillo National Monument

California · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Cabrillo National Monument is a productive birding destination in California, with 290 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Hudsonian Whimbrel, Spotted Sandpiper, and Western Gull 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

Hepatic Tanager

Piranga flava

3/6/2026Wing St. Canyon1 observed

Lawrence's Goldfinch

Spinus lawrencei

3/6/2026Tijuana River Valley--Bird & Butterfly Garden (Myers Ranch)1 observed

Common Ground Dove

Columbina passerina

3/6/2026Tijuana River Valley--Bird & Butterfly Garden (Myers Ranch)2 observed

Brown Creeper

Certhia americana

3/6/2026Heritage Park (Chula Vista)1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

3/6/2026Kate Sessions Neighborhood Park1 observed

Tropical Kingbird

Tyrannus melancholicus

3/6/2026Tijuana River Valley--Sunset Ave east of Hollister1 observed

White-winged Scoter

Melanitta deglandi

3/6/2026Vacation Isle1 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

3/6/2026Tijuana River Valley--Bird & Butterfly Garden (Myers Ranch)1 observed

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Pheucticus ludovicianus

3/6/2026San Diego—East Balboa Park Golf Course1 observed

Nashville Warbler

Leiothlypis ruficapilla

3/6/2026Wing St. Canyon1 observed

Tennessee Warbler

Leiothlypis peregrina

3/6/2026Home 2909 Brant St1 observed

Black Scoter

Melanitta americana

3/6/2026Chula Vista Bayfront Park (J St.)2 observed

Red-throated Pipit

Anthus cervinus

3/6/2026Clairemont High School Baseball Field 4150 Ute Dr, San Diego US-CA 32.80807, -117.203011 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Western Gull

63/6/2026

Forster's Tern

23/6/2026

Pelagic Cormorant

123/6/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

63/6/2026

Brown Pelican

243/6/2026

Osprey

33/6/2026

Wrentit

23/6/2026

Northern Mockingbird

13/6/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

13/6/2026

Song Sparrow

23/6/2026

California Towhee

13/6/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

13/6/2026

Spotted Towhee

13/6/2026

Hudsonian Whimbrel

13/3/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

13/3/2026

Snowy Egret

13/3/2026

Common Raven

83/3/2026

House Finch

43/3/2026

California Thrasher

13/2/2026

Savannah Sparrow

13/2/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Start birding at dawn when desert birds are most active before the heat.

  2. 2

    Check around water sources, which concentrate desert species.

  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 National Monument for birding?
The best months to visit Cabrillo National Monument for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Cabrillo National Monument?
Notable species at Cabrillo National Monument include Hudsonian Whimbrel, Spotted Sandpiper, Western Gull, Pelagic Cormorant, Snowy Egret. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at Cabrillo National Monument?
Birding at Cabrillo National Monument is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Cabrillo National Monument?
Cabrillo National Monument offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.