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

Hepatic Tanager

Piranga flava

3/6/2026Wing St. Canyon1 observed

Oak Titmouse

Baeolophus inornatus

3/6/2026Rambla De Las Flores--Richardson Field to RSF Field (restricted access)1 observed

Lawrence's Goldfinch

Spinus lawrencei

3/6/2026Tijuana River Valley--Bird & Butterfly Garden (Myers Ranch)1 observed

Common Ground Dove

Columbina passerina

3/6/2026Tijuana River Valley--Bird & Butterfly Garden (Myers Ranch)2 observed

Brown Creeper

Certhia americana

3/6/2026Heritage Park (Chula Vista)1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

3/6/2026Kate Sessions Neighborhood Park1 observed

Tropical Kingbird

Tyrannus melancholicus

3/6/2026Tijuana River Valley--Sunset Ave east of Hollister1 observed

White-winged Scoter

Melanitta deglandi

3/6/2026Vacation Isle1 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

3/6/2026Tijuana River Valley--Bird & Butterfly Garden (Myers Ranch)1 observed

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Pheucticus ludovicianus

3/6/2026San Diego—East Balboa Park Golf Course1 observed

Nashville Warbler

Leiothlypis ruficapilla

3/6/2026Wing St. Canyon1 observed

Tennessee Warbler

Leiothlypis peregrina

3/6/2026Home 2909 Brant St1 observed

Black Scoter

Melanitta americana

3/6/2026Chula Vista Bayfront Park (J St.)2 observed

Red-throated Pipit

Anthus cervinus

3/6/2026Clairemont High School Baseball Field 4150 Ute Dr, San Diego US-CA 32.80807, -117.203011 observed

American Bittern

Botaurus lentiginosus

3/6/2026San Elijo Lagoon--west1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

American Wigeon

203/4/2026

Green-winged Teal

33/4/2026

Lesser Scaup

23/4/2026

Surf Scoter

13/4/2026

Ruddy Duck

33/4/2026

Mourning Dove

23/4/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

33/4/2026

Allen's Hummingbird

13/4/2026

Western Gull

153/4/2026

Snowy Egret

13/4/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

13/4/2026

Black Phoebe

63/4/2026

American Crow

13/4/2026

House Sparrow

33/4/2026

House Finch

53/4/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

23/4/2026

Song Sparrow

23/4/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

103/4/2026

Brant

103/4/2026

Redhead

103/4/2026

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.