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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

Common Goldeneye

Bucephala clangula

8/23/2026Residence Inn Silicon Valley2 observed

Black-chinned Hummingbird

Archilochus alexandri

8/23/2026Southwest Expwy1 observed

Scaly-breasted Munia

Lonchura punctulata

8/23/2026Almaden Lake Park1 observed

Least Tern

Sternula antillarum

8/23/2026Shorebird Park - Beach Park Blvd.1 observed

Common Tern

Sterna hirundo

8/23/2026Salt Pond A3W1 observed

Red-breasted Nuthatch

Sitta canadensis

8/23/2026Z house1 observed

Ferruginous Hawk

Buteo regalis

8/23/2026Shoreline Park--entrance road and fields east and north1 observed

Lark Sparrow

Chondestes grammacus

8/23/2026Nob Hill Pond1 observed

Baird's Sandpiper

Calidris bairdii

8/23/2026Tunitas Creek beach -- west of Hwy 1 only1 observed

Blue-winged Teal

Spatula discors

8/23/2026Don Edwards NWR--Pond A161 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

208/23/2026

Cinnamon Teal

108/23/2026

Gadwall

58/23/2026

Mallard

208/23/2026

Green-winged Teal

18/23/2026

Common Gallinule

38/23/2026

Black-necked Stilt

58/23/2026

American Avocet

3008/23/2026

Killdeer

28/23/2026

Long-billed Curlew

18/23/2026

Marbled Godwit

108/23/2026

Long-billed Dowitcher

2008/23/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

58/23/2026

Least Sandpiper

38/23/2026

California Gull

1008/23/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

18/23/2026

Snowy Egret

38/23/2026

Barn Swallow

208/23/2026

Cliff Swallow

18/23/2026

Marsh Wren

28/23/2026

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.