Don Edwards National Wildlife Refuge

California · Southwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Don Edwards National Wildlife Refuge is a productive birding destination in California, with 255 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Northern Shoveler, and Mallard among many others. The unique desert and riparian habitats support specialty species alongside wintering and migrating birds.

Location

Loading map...

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

Pacific Golden-Plover

Pluvialis fulva

3/6/2026Don Edwards NWR--Env. Ed. Ctr. (EEC) and nearby upland areas1 observed

Lawrence's Goldfinch

Spinus lawrencei

3/6/2026Ed Levin CP--Spring Valley area4 observed

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

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

Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle x Audubon's)

Setophaga coronata

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

Black-headed Grosbeak

Pheucticus melanocephalus

3/4/2026Loop trail1 observed

Black Oystercatcher

Haematopus bachmani

3/3/2026Charleston Slough/Coast Casey Forebay1 observed

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 Don Edwards National Wildlife Refuge for birding?
The best months to visit Don Edwards National Wildlife Refuge for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Don Edwards National Wildlife Refuge?
Notable species at Don Edwards National Wildlife Refuge include Canada Goose, Northern Shoveler, Mallard, Bufflehead, Eurasian Collared-Dove. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Don Edwards National Wildlife Refuge?
Birding at Don Edwards National Wildlife Refuge is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Don Edwards National Wildlife Refuge?
Don Edwards National Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.