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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

4/21/2026Salt Pond A14 observed

Yellow-breasted Chat

Icteria virens

4/21/2026Santa Clara University1 observed

Black-chinned Hummingbird

Archilochus alexandri

4/21/2026Los Gatos Creek Trail--Meridian Ave.1 observed

Eurasian Wigeon

Mareca penelope

4/20/2026Nob Hill Pond2 observed

Calliope Hummingbird

Selasphorus calliope

4/20/2026Don Castro Regional Recreation Area1 observed

Harlequin Duck

Histrionicus histrionicus

4/20/20261900 Coyote Point Drive, San Mateo, California, US (37.591, -122.317)1 observed

Lawrence's Goldfinch

Spinus lawrencei

4/20/2026Ed Levin CP--Spring Valley area1 observed

Gray Flycatcher

Empidonax wrightii

4/19/2026McClellan Ranch Preserve1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

44/21/2026

Cinnamon Teal

24/21/2026

Northern Shoveler

44/21/2026

Gadwall

44/21/2026

Mallard

54/21/2026

Green-winged Teal

24/21/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

14/21/2026

Sora

14/21/2026

American Coot

14/21/2026

Black-necked Stilt

34/21/2026

Long-billed Dowitcher

34/21/2026

Least Sandpiper

4/21/2026

California Gull

24/21/2026

Forster's Tern

24/21/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

24/21/2026

Snowy Egret

54/21/2026

Northern Harrier

14/21/2026

Black Phoebe

24/21/2026

American Crow

14/21/2026

Tree Swallow

14/21/2026

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.