Coastal birding habitat

Doheny State Beach

California · Southwest

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
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

Lesser Yellowlegs

Tringa flavipes

7/18/2026IRWD San Joaquin Marsh & Wildlife Sanctuary1 observed

American Oystercatcher

Haematopus palliatus

7/17/2026Dana Point Harbor1 observed

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

7/17/2026Laguna Niguel Regional Park1 observed

Short-billed Dowitcher

Limnodromus griseus

7/16/2026IRWD San Joaquin Marsh & Wildlife Sanctuary1 observed

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

Polioptila caerulea

7/16/2026UCI Ecological Preserve-Middle Loop Riparian1 observed

Band-tailed Pigeon

Patagioenas fasciata

7/16/2026UCI Ecological Preserve-Middle Loop Scrub1 observed

Great Blue Heron

Ardea herodias

7/15/2026Dana Point--nearshore (ORA Co.)

Caspian Tern

Hydroprogne caspia

7/15/2026Dana Point--nearshore (ORA Co.)

Mitred Parakeet

Psittacara mitratus

7/15/20261873–1877 Newport Blvd, Costa Mesa US-CA 33.64237, -117.917622 observed

Black Turnstone

Arenaria melanocephala

7/14/2026Crystal Cove SP--Pelican Point1 observed

Common Poorwill

Phalaenoptilus nuttallii

7/14/2026Aliso and Wood Canyons WP -- Wood Canyon Trail4 observed

Oak Titmouse

Baeolophus inornatus

7/14/2026Aliso and Wood Canyons WP -- Wood Canyon Trail1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Elegant Tern

207/18/2026

Snowy Egret

17/18/2026

Rock Pigeon

97/18/2026

Western Gull

1217/18/2026

Caspian Tern

57/18/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

687/18/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

17/18/2026

Great Egret

47/18/2026

Great Blue Heron

57/18/2026

Brown Pelican

917/18/2026

American Crow

27/18/2026

Barn Swallow

247/18/2026

Heermann's Gull

347/18/2026

California Gull

37/18/2026

Brandt's Cormorant

647/18/2026

Pelagic Cormorant

47/18/2026

Common Raven

37/18/2026

Allen's Hummingbird

27/18/2026

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

17/17/2026

Surf Scoter

17/17/2026

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.