Coastal birding habitat

Golden Shore Marine Reserve

California · Southwest

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Golden Shore Marine Reserve is a productive birding destination in California, with 204 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Mallard, Lesser Scaup, and Surf Scoter 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

Rock Pigeon

Columba livia

5/27/2026Bolsa Chica--walkbridge/inner bay1 observed

Swainson's Hawk

Buteo swainsoni

5/27/2026stakeout Swainson's Hawk, Seal Beach (2019)1 observed

Brown Pelican

Pelecanus occidentalis

5/27/2026San Gabriel River--Willow to 7th St.2 observed

Hammond's Flycatcher

Empidonax hammondii

5/27/202614110 Tedford Drive East, Whittier, California, US (33.918, -118.031)1 observed

Little Blue Heron

Egretta caerulea

5/27/2026Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve, Huntington Beach US-CA 33.69856, -118.046961 observed

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Pheucticus ludovicianus

5/26/20264980 Stevely Ave, Lakewood US-CA 33.84820, -118.100851 observed

Glossy x White-faced Ibis (hybrid)

Plegadis falcinellus x chihi

5/25/2026Huntington Central Park--East1 observed

Snow Goose

Anser caerulescens

5/25/2026Centennial Park (Santa Ana)1 observed

Bufflehead

Bucephala albeola

5/25/2026AES Redondo Wetland1 observed

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

5/25/2026Golden Shore Marine Reserve1 observed

Blue-winged Teal

Spatula discors

5/25/2026Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Surf Scoter

95/25/2026

Rock Pigeon

225/25/2026

Black Oystercatcher

55/25/2026

Hudsonian Whimbrel

35/25/2026

Western Gull

175/25/2026

Caspian Tern

65/25/2026

Forster's Tern

35/25/2026

Western Grebe

185/25/2026

Clark's Grebe

25/25/2026

Common Loon

15/25/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

125/25/2026

Snowy Egret

35/25/2026

Great Blue Heron

25/25/2026

Brown Pelican

105/25/2026

Black Phoebe

25/25/2026

American Crow

35/25/2026

Common Raven

25/25/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

45/25/2026

Bushtit

15/25/2026

Swinhoe's White-eye

25/25/2026

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 Golden Shore Marine Reserve for birding?
The best months to visit Golden Shore Marine Reserve for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Golden Shore Marine Reserve?
Notable species at Golden Shore Marine Reserve include Mallard, Lesser Scaup, Surf Scoter, Bufflehead, American Coot. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Golden Shore Marine Reserve?
Birding at Golden Shore Marine Reserve is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Golden Shore Marine Reserve?
Golden Shore Marine Reserve offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.