a small bird sitting on top of a metal pipe

Famosa Slough

California · Southwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open daily, dawn to dusk

About This Location

Famosa Slough is a productive birding destination in California, with 261 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts American Wigeon, Mallard, and Bufflehead 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

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

5/30/2026Lake Murray--southeast side1 observed

Chestnut-sided Warbler

Setophaga pensylvanica

5/30/2026Mission Bay Park, San Diego US-CA (32.7586,-117.2421)1 observed

Lawrence's Goldfinch

Spinus lawrencei

5/30/2026Tijuana River Valley--Bird & Butterfly Garden (Myers Ranch)1 observed

Common Ground Dove

Columbina passerina

5/30/2026Tijuana River Valley--Bird & Butterfly Garden (Myers Ranch)1 observed

Yellow-throated Vireo

Vireo flavifrons

5/30/2026La Jolla Summit1 observed

Wild Turkey

Meleagris gallopavo

5/30/2026Santee Lakes1 observed

Black Swift

Cypseloides niger

5/29/2026Balboa Park--Grape Street Dog Park1 observed

Tricolored Blackbird

Agelaius tricolor

5/29/2026Santee Lakes1 observed

Common Murre

Uria aalge

5/29/2026Off La Jolla (about 8 miles to NW)1 observed

Oak Titmouse

Baeolophus inornatus

5/29/2026East Penasquitos Canyon2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

45/28/2026

Mourning Dove

25/28/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

25/28/2026

Costa's Hummingbird

15/28/2026

Western Gull

35/28/2026

California Gull

45/28/2026

Caspian Tern

15/28/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

35/28/2026

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

15/28/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

15/28/2026

Snowy Egret

55/28/2026

Great Egret

15/28/2026

Great Blue Heron

15/28/2026

Osprey

25/28/2026

American Kestrel

15/28/2026

Red-crowned Amazon

65/28/2026

American Crow

45/28/2026

House Finch

105/28/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

15/27/2026

Allen's Hummingbird

55/27/2026

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.

  4. 4

    Bring insect repellent — wetland areas can have significant mosquito activity, especially in warmer months.

  5. 5

    Bring quality optics — a good pair of binoculars (8x42 or 10x42) makes all the difference in species identification.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Famosa Slough for birding?
The best months to visit Famosa Slough for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Famosa Slough?
Notable species at Famosa Slough include American Wigeon, Mallard, Bufflehead, Allen's Hummingbird, American Coot, Little Blue Heron, Rock Pigeon, Mourning Dove, Yellow-crowned Night Heron, Black-crowned Night Heron, Osprey, Black Phoebe. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Famosa Slough?
Birding at Famosa Slough is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Famosa Slough?
There is no entrance fee at Famosa Slough. Hours: Open daily, dawn to dusk.
What amenities are available at Famosa Slough?
Famosa Slough offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.