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

Cackling Goose

Branta hutchinsii

7/19/2026Mile Square Regional Park, Fountain Valley1 observed

Lucy's Warbler

Leiothlypis luciae

7/19/2026Mile Square Regional Park, Fountain Valley1 observed

Northern Pintail

Anas acuta

7/19/2026Bolsa Chica--walkbridge/inner bay1 observed

Surfbird

Calidris virgata

7/19/2026San Gabriel River mouth (ORA Co.)2 observed

Song Sparrow (heermanni Group)

Melospiza melodia

7/18/2026Ocean Trails Reserve and golf course trails10 observed

Red-crowned Amazon

Amazona viridigenalis

7/18/2026Fairview Park, Costa Mesa4 observed

Mitred Parakeet

Psittacara mitratus

7/17/20262666 Harbor Boulevard, Costa Mesa, California, US (33.67, -117.919)4 observed

Bufflehead

Bucephala albeola

7/17/2026AES Redondo Wetland1 observed

Mexican Duck

Anas diazi

7/17/2026Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve1 observed

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

7/16/2026Jack Dunster Marine Biological Reserve1 observed

Western Tanager

Piranga ludoviciana

7/16/2026Huntington Central Park, Huntington Beach US-CA 33.70278, -118.004531 observed

American Oystercatcher

Haematopus palliatus

7/16/2026Cabrillo Beach and pier1 observed

Red-breasted Nuthatch

Sitta canadensis

7/15/2026Ralph B. Clark Regional Park, Buena Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Surf Scoter

27/19/2026

Allen's Hummingbird

27/19/2026

Heermann's Gull

87/19/2026

Western Gull

87/19/2026

Elegant Tern

17/19/2026

Western Grebe

87/19/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

67/19/2026

Great Blue Heron

17/19/2026

Brown Pelican

147/19/2026

Black Phoebe

27/19/2026

Swinhoe's White-eye

107/19/2026

Western Bluebird

47/19/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

87/19/2026

Black Oystercatcher

97/16/2026

Hudsonian Whimbrel

37/16/2026

Willet

237/16/2026

Royal Tern

7/16/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

17/16/2026

Snowy Egret

17/16/2026

Osprey

17/16/2026

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.