Wetland birding habitat

Kendall-Frost Marsh Reserve

California · Southwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Kendall-Frost Marsh Reserve is a productive birding destination in California, with 227 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts American Wigeon, Green-winged Teal, and Lesser Scaup 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

Swainson's Hawk

Buteo swainsoni

5/27/20269448 Knowlton Ct1 observed

Common Ground Dove

Columbina passerina

5/27/2026Tijuana River Valley--Bird & Butterfly Garden (Myers Ranch)2 observed

White-eyed Vireo

Vireo griseus

5/27/2026Santee Lakes

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

5/27/2026Ocean Air Community Park1 observed

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

5/27/2026Point Loma Nazarene University1 observed

Wild Turkey

Meleagris gallopavo

5/27/2026Santee Lakes1 observed

Nazca Booby

Sula granti

5/27/2026Point La Jolla--seawatch1 observed

Black-and-white Warbler

Mniotilta varia

5/26/2026Ocean Air Community Park1 observed

Purple Martin

Progne subis

5/26/2026Bayshore Bikeway--10th Street (Pond 23)1 observed

Indigo Bunting

Passerina cyanea

5/26/2026Point Loma1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Surf Scoter

25/25/2026

Mourning Dove

25/25/2026

Western Gull

25/25/2026

California Gull

25/25/2026

Black Skimmer

205/25/2026

Western Grebe

75/25/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

15/25/2026

Cassin's Kingbird

35/25/2026

House Sparrow

65/25/2026

House Finch

105/25/2026

Savannah Sparrow

15/25/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

25/23/2026

Allen's Hummingbird

15/23/2026

Caspian Tern

15/23/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

25/23/2026

Snowy Egret

45/23/2026

Great Blue Heron

15/23/2026

Osprey

25/23/2026

Say's Phoebe

15/23/2026

American Crow

35/23/2026

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Kendall-Frost Marsh Reserve for birding?
The best months to visit Kendall-Frost Marsh Reserve for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Kendall-Frost Marsh Reserve?
Notable species at Kendall-Frost Marsh Reserve include American Wigeon, Green-winged Teal, Lesser Scaup, Surf Scoter, Ruddy Duck. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Kendall-Frost Marsh Reserve?
Birding at Kendall-Frost Marsh Reserve is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Kendall-Frost Marsh Reserve?
Kendall-Frost Marsh Reserve offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.