Charleston Slough/Coast Casey Forebay

California · Southwest

Habitat
WetlandCoastal
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
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

Chipping Sparrow

Spizella passerina

3/5/2026Lone Hill Park3 observed

Tufted Duck

Aythya fuligula

3/5/2026Oracle Pond (pond area only) along Marine Pkwy1 observed

Eurasian Wigeon

Mareca penelope

3/5/2026Belmont Slough--slough along Oracle Pkwy and area behind Oracle1 observed

Sanderling

Calidris alba

3/5/2026Salt Pond A121 observed

Harlequin Duck

Histrionicus histrionicus

3/5/20261315 Coyote Point Drive, San Mateo, California, US (37.592, -122.315)1 observed

Cassin's Kingbird

Tyrannus vociferans

3/5/2026Pacific Commons Linear Park2 observed

Blue-winged Teal x Northern Shoveler (hybrid)

Spatula discors x clypeata

3/5/2026Palo Alto Baylands1 observed

Northern Yellow Warbler

Setophaga aestiva

3/4/2026Harborview Park, San Mateo US-CA 37.58068, -122.314141 observed

Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle x Audubon's)

Setophaga coronata

3/4/2026Thousand Oaks Park (SCL Co.)1 observed

Pacific Golden-Plover

Pluvialis fulva

3/4/2026Don Edwards NWR--Pond A161 observed

Lawrence's Goldfinch

Spinus lawrencei

3/4/2026Lone Hill Park2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Snow Goose

13/5/2026

Canada Goose

303/5/2026

Northern Shoveler

3/5/2026

American Wigeon

253/5/2026

Canvasback

103/5/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

23/5/2026

American Coot

3/5/2026

American Avocet

3/5/2026

Hudsonian Whimbrel

13/5/2026

Long-billed Curlew

23/5/2026

Marbled Godwit

13/5/2026

Willet

103/5/2026

Least Sandpiper

3/5/2026

California Gull

3/5/2026

Forster's Tern

63/5/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

93/5/2026

Snowy Egret

43/5/2026

Great Egret

13/5/2026

American White Pelican

23/5/2026

Turkey Vulture

13/5/2026

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.