Wetland birding habitat

Colorado Lagoon

California · Southwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Colorado Lagoon is a productive birding destination in California, with 247 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and Redhead 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

White-crowned Sparrow

Zonotrichia leucophrys

6/2/2026Madrona Marsh1 observed

Cedar Waxwing

Bombycilla cedrorum

6/1/2026Mile Square Regional Park, Fountain Valley1 observed

Townsend's Warbler

Setophaga townsendi

6/1/2026Huntington Central Park--East1 observed

Western Warbling Vireo

Vireo swainsoni

6/1/2026Huntington Central Park--East2 observed

Red-eyed Vireo

Vireo olivaceus

6/1/2026Huntington Central Park--East1 observed

Brown Pelican

Pelecanus occidentalis

6/1/2026Ken Malloy Harbor Regional Park1 observed

Blue-winged Teal

Spatula discors

5/31/2026Wintersburg channel1 observed

Cocos Booby

Sula brewsteri

5/31/2026Santa Monica Bay—South Bay Cove1 observed

Swainson's Hawk

Buteo swainsoni

5/31/2026stakeout Swainson's Hawk, Seal Beach (2019)2 observed

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

5/31/2026AES Redondo Wetland1 observed

Bufflehead

Bucephala albeola

5/31/2026AES Redondo Wetland1 observed

Cackling Goose

Branta hutchinsii

5/31/2026Mile Square Regional Park, Fountain Valley1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

36/1/2026

Mallard

346/1/2026

Rock Pigeon

106/1/2026

Mourning Dove

66/1/2026

Allen's Hummingbird

56/1/2026

Killdeer

16/1/2026

Western Gull

76/1/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

16/1/2026

White-faced Ibis

66/1/2026

Snowy Egret

16/1/2026

Cooper's Hawk

16/1/2026

Nuttall's Woodpecker

16/1/2026

Mitred Parakeet

66/1/2026

Black Phoebe

36/1/2026

Say's Phoebe

16/1/2026

Cassin's Kingbird

56/1/2026

American Crow

36/1/2026

Barn Swallow

66/1/2026

Swinhoe's White-eye

86/1/2026

European Starling

266/1/2026

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Colorado Lagoon for birding?
The best months to visit Colorado Lagoon for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Colorado Lagoon?
Notable species at Colorado Lagoon include Canada Goose, Mallard, Redhead, Lesser Scaup, Rock Pigeon. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Colorado Lagoon?
Birding at Colorado Lagoon is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Colorado Lagoon?
Colorado Lagoon offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.