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

Elegant Tern

Thalasseus elegans

5/31/2026IRWD San Joaquin Marsh & Wildlife Sanctuary, Irvine3 observed

Green-winged Teal

Anas crecca

5/31/2026San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary--Treehill Trail2 observed

Oak Titmouse

Baeolophus inornatus

5/31/2026Aliso and Wood Canyons WP--Aliso Creek Trail to Wood Canyon Trail1 observed

Mountain Chickadee

Poecile gambeli

5/30/2026Short loop2 observed

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

5/30/2026William R Mason Regional Park, Irvine1 observed

Red-crowned Amazon

Amazona viridigenalis

5/28/2026Upper Newport Bay2 observed

Black-chinned x Allen's Hummingbird (hybrid)

Archilochus alexandri x Selasphorus sasin

5/27/2026Dove Canyon1 observed

Band-tailed Pigeon

Patagioenas fasciata

5/27/2026Coastal Canyon Park, Newport Beach US-CA 33.60438, -117.823822 observed

Chipping Sparrow

Spizella passerina

5/27/2026UC South Coast Research Extension Center // Harvest Solutions Farm1 observed

White-crowned Sparrow

Zonotrichia leucophrys

5/26/2026Sea Summit trails1 observed

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

Polioptila caerulea

5/26/2026Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park5 observed

Sooty Tern

Onychoprion fuscatus

5/25/2026San Clemente Pier1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Rock Pigeon

15/25/2026

Heermann's Gull

25/25/2026

Western Gull

55/25/2026

Caspian Tern

45/25/2026

Forster's Tern

15/25/2026

Elegant Tern

25/25/2026

Snowy Egret

25/25/2026

Brown Pelican

55/25/2026

European Starling

15/25/2026

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.