man and woman walking on pathway near building

Charleston Slough/Coast Casey Forebay

California · Southwest

Habitat
WetlandCoastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open daily, dawn to dusk

About This Location

Charleston Slough/Coast Casey Forebay is a productive birding destination in California, with 247 species recorded on eBird. This wetland and coastal habitat attracts Snow Goose, Canada Goose, and Northern Shoveler 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

Elegant Tern

Thalasseus elegans

6/17/2026Charleston Slough/Coast Casey Forebay2 observed

Northern Yellow Warbler

Setophaga aestiva

6/17/2026Lake Elizabeth1 observed

Yellow-breasted Chat

Icteria virens

6/17/2026Lake Elizabeth1 observed

Greater White-fronted Goose

Anser albifrons

6/17/2026San Francisco Bay Trail--Tony Lema Golf Course1 observed

Hermit Warbler

Setophaga occidentalis

6/17/2026Sanborn CP--Sunnyvale Mountain Trailhead2 observed

Black-chinned Hummingbird

Archilochus alexandri

6/17/2026Vasona Lake County Park2 observed

Chipping Sparrow

Spizella passerina

6/17/2026La Honda Creek OSP (lower)1 observed

Hermit Thrush

Catharus guttatus

6/17/2026Portola Redwood SP6 observed

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Pheucticus ludovicianus

6/16/2026Aviare Apartments1 observed

Redhead

Aythya americana

6/16/2026Emily Renzel Wetlands3 observed

Hooded Merganser

Lophodytes cucullatus

6/16/2026Windy Hill OSP--Sausal Pond1 observed

Scaly-breasted Munia

Lonchura punctulata

6/16/2026Gomes Park2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

206/17/2026

Gadwall

46/17/2026

Mallard

406/17/2026

White-throated Swift

16/17/2026

Black-necked Stilt

146/17/2026

American Avocet

36/17/2026

Killdeer

16/17/2026

California Gull

356/17/2026

Forster's Tern

76/17/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

26/17/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

126/17/2026

Snowy Egret

26/17/2026

Green Heron

16/17/2026

Great Egret

16/17/2026

Great Blue Heron

26/17/2026

American White Pelican

16/17/2026

Tree Swallow

36/17/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

36/17/2026

Barn Swallow

76/17/2026

Cliff Swallow

146/17/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  3. 3

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

  4. 4

    Check tide tables before visiting — low tide exposes mudflats that attract the most shorebirds.

  5. 5

    Bring insect repellent — wetland areas can have significant mosquito activity, especially in warmer months.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Charleston Slough/Coast Casey Forebay for birding?
The best months to visit Charleston Slough/Coast Casey Forebay for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Charleston Slough/Coast Casey Forebay?
Notable species at Charleston Slough/Coast Casey Forebay include Snow Goose, Canada Goose, Northern Shoveler, American Wigeon, Canvasback, California Gull, Black Phoebe, American Crow, Rock Pigeon, Western Bluebird, House Finch, Dark-eyed Junco. The area supports wetland, coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Charleston Slough/Coast Casey Forebay?
Birding at Charleston Slough/Coast Casey Forebay is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Charleston Slough/Coast Casey Forebay?
There is no entrance fee at Charleston Slough/Coast Casey Forebay. Hours: Open daily, dawn to dusk.
What amenities are available at Charleston Slough/Coast Casey Forebay?
Charleston Slough/Coast Casey Forebay offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.