Kendall-Frost Marsh Reserve

California · Southwest

ModerateView on eBird Directions

Habitat

Wetland

Best Seasons

Fall Winter Spring

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

American Wigeon Green-winged Teal Lesser Scaup Surf Scoter Ruddy Duck

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Mexican Whip-poor-will

Antrostomus arizonae

7/13/2026San Diego Mesa College1 observed

Common Ground Dove

Columbina passerina

7/13/2026Tijuana River Valley--Bird & Butterfly Garden (Myers Ranch)2 observed

Inca Dove

Columbina inca

7/13/2026Tijuana River Valley--Bird & Butterfly Garden (Myers Ranch)1 observed

Oak Titmouse

Baeolophus inornatus

7/13/2026Mission Trails Regional Park--Kumeyaay Lake & campground1 observed

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

7/13/2026Lake Murray--southeast side3 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Long-billed Curlew

17/13/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

17/13/2026

Western Gull

37/13/2026

Elegant Tern

47/13/2026

Great Blue Heron

17/13/2026

House Finch

17/13/2026

Surf Scoter

17/11/2026

Willet

237/11/2026

Snowy Egret

67/11/2026

Great Egret

17/11/2026

Brown Pelican

17/11/2026

Osprey

17/11/2026

Savannah Sparrow

17/11/2026

Short-billed Dowitcher

17/11/2026

Western Sandpiper

7/11/2026

Forster's Tern

17/11/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

27/11/2026

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

7/11/2026

Black Phoebe

27/11/2026

Cassin's Kingbird

87/11/2026

Birding Tips

1
Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.
2
Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.
3
Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.

Amenities

Parking

Trails

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California Birding Guide

Complete guide to birding in California →

Birding Guides

Fall Bird Migration Guide

10 min read

Understanding Bird Migration

12 min read

Spring Birding in New York City

12 min read

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.