Doheny State Beach

California · Southwest

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Doheny State Beach is a productive birding destination in California, with 242 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Red-tailed Hawk, Ring-billed Gull, and Western Gull 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

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

3/6/2026San Joaquin Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary Pond 42 observed

Snow Goose

Anser caerulescens

3/6/2026IRWD San Joaquin Marsh & Wildlife Sanctuary, Irvine1 observed

Oak Titmouse

Baeolophus inornatus

3/5/2026Laguna Coast Wilderness Park5 observed

Western Flycatcher (Pacific-slope)

Empidonax difficilis

3/5/2026William R Mason Regional Park, Irvine1 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

3/5/2026William R Mason Regional Park, Irvine1 observed

Ridgway's Rail

Rallus obsoletus

3/4/2026UC Natural Reserve System Ponds 4-112 observed

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

3/4/2026William R Mason Regional Park, Irvine1 observed

Red-lored Amazon

Amazona autumnalis

3/4/202626632 Sinforosa Dr, Mission Viejo US-CA 33.60996, -117.665311 observed

Ash-throated Flycatcher

Myiarchus cinerascens

3/4/2026Aliso and Wood Canyons WP -- Wood Canyon Trail1 observed

White-breasted Nuthatch

Sitta carolinensis

3/4/2026Aliso and Wood Canyons WP -- Wood Canyon Trail1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Red-tailed Hawk

22/28/2026

Ring-billed Gull

12/23/2026

Western Gull

12/23/2026

California Gull

102/23/2026

Nuttall's Woodpecker

12/23/2026

Cassin's Kingbird

12/23/2026

American Crow

2/23/2026

Western Bluebird

12/23/2026

House Finch

2/23/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

42/23/2026

Mallard

42/23/2026

Allen's Hummingbird

12/23/2026

American Coot

252/23/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

22/23/2026

Snowy Egret

52/23/2026

Brown Pelican

32/23/2026

Bushtit

12/23/2026

House Sparrow

12/23/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

42/23/2026

Orange-crowned Warbler

12/23/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.

  2. 2

    Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Doheny State Beach for birding?
The best months to visit Doheny State Beach for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Doheny State Beach?
Notable species at Doheny State Beach include Red-tailed Hawk, Ring-billed Gull, Western Gull, California Gull, Nuttall's Woodpecker. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Doheny State Beach?
Birding at Doheny State Beach is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Doheny State Beach?
Doheny State Beach offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.