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

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

Lesser Frigatebird

Fregata ariel

7/21/2026Torrey Pines Gliderport1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

87/21/2026

Black-necked Stilt

27/21/2026

Wilson's Phalarope

17/21/2026

Little Blue Heron

17/21/2026

Reddish Egret

17/21/2026

Snowy Egret

57/21/2026

Great Egret

17/21/2026

Great Blue Heron

17/21/2026

Black Phoebe

17/21/2026

American Crow

47/21/2026

Swinhoe's White-eye

17/21/2026

House Sparrow

17/21/2026

House Finch

17/21/2026

Song Sparrow

17/21/2026

Common Yellowthroat

17/21/2026

American Avocet

37/21/2026

Hudsonian Whimbrel

17/21/2026

Red-necked Phalarope

27/21/2026

Willet

27/21/2026

Western Gull

47/21/2026

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.