Desert birding habitat

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

Common Murre

Uria aalge

5/30/2026Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, San Diego US-CA (32.9282,-117.2597)1 observed

Wild Turkey

Meleagris gallopavo

5/30/2026Santee Lakes1 observed

Black Swift

Cypseloides niger

5/29/2026Balboa Park--Grape Street Dog Park1 observed

Tricolored Blackbird

Agelaius tricolor

5/29/2026Santee Lakes1 observed

Common Ground Dove

Columbina passerina

5/29/2026Tijuana River Valley--Bird & Butterfly Garden (Myers Ranch)2 observed

Lawrence's Goldfinch

Spinus lawrencei

5/29/2026Tijuana River Valley--Bird & Butterfly Garden (Myers Ranch)1 observed

Purple Martin

Progne subis

5/28/2026Mission Trails Regional Park--northeast region1 observed

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

5/28/2026northeast edge Sweetwater Res.2 observed

Pigeon Guillemot

Cepphus columba

5/28/2026Point La Jolla--seawatch1 observed

White-crowned Sparrow

Zonotrichia leucophrys

5/28/2026Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery (no birding 8a-5p)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Brown Pelican

5/29/2026

California Towhee

5/29/2026

Black Oystercatcher

45/28/2026

California Gull

65/28/2026

Caspian Tern

25/28/2026

Forster's Tern

15/28/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

275/28/2026

Common Raven

15/28/2026

Wrentit

15/28/2026

Bewick's Wren

25/28/2026

Song Sparrow

15/28/2026

Spotted Towhee

35/28/2026

Western Gull

55/26/2026

American Crow

45/26/2026

Northern Mockingbird

25/26/2026

Rock Pigeon

15/22/2026

White-throated Swift

25/22/2026

Heermann's Gull

25/22/2026

Elegant Tern

25/22/2026

Western Grebe

15/22/2026

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.