Kit Carson Park

California · Southwest

Habitat
Urban Park
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Kit Carson Park is a productive birding destination in California, with 205 species recorded on eBird. This urban park habitat attracts American Wigeon, Mallard, and Ring-necked Duck 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

Black-headed Grosbeak

Pheucticus melanocephalus

3/6/20267872 Rio Senda, Rancho Santa Fe US-CA 33.03347, -117.164591 observed

Oak Titmouse

Baeolophus inornatus

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

Zone-tailed Hawk

Buteo albonotatus

3/6/2026San Diego Zoo Safari Park, San Diego US-CA 33.09139, -116.992431 observed

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus varius

3/6/2026Ramona Community Park1 observed

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

3/6/2026Lindo Lake2 observed

American Bittern

Botaurus lentiginosus

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

Purple Finch

Haemorhous purpureus

3/5/2026Oak Riparian Park4 observed

Black-and-white Warbler

Mniotilta varia

3/5/2026San Elijo Lagoon--west1 observed

Western Kingbird

Tyrannus verticalis

3/4/2026Rangeland Rd.1 observed

Cape May Warbler

Setophaga tigrina

3/4/2026Hwy 101 Tipus (Solana Beach)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

American Wigeon

3/6/2026

Mallard

3/6/2026

Ring-necked Duck

3/6/2026

Ruddy Duck

123/6/2026

Mourning Dove

53/6/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

23/6/2026

Allen's Hummingbird

23/6/2026

Common Gallinule

23/6/2026

American Coot

3/6/2026

Ring-billed Gull

13/6/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

43/6/2026

Snowy Egret

13/6/2026

Great Egret

13/6/2026

Cooper's Hawk

23/6/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

33/6/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

13/6/2026

Acorn Woodpecker

53/6/2026

Downy Woodpecker

13/6/2026

Nuttall's Woodpecker

33/6/2026

Black Phoebe

13/6/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Visit at dawn for peak songbird activity before crowds arrive.

  2. 2

    Check flowering trees and berry-producing shrubs for seasonal migrants.

  3. 3

    Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Kit Carson Park for birding?
The best months to visit Kit Carson Park for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Kit Carson Park?
Notable species at Kit Carson Park include American Wigeon, Mallard, Ring-necked Duck, Ruddy Duck, California Quail. The area supports urban park habitats.
How difficult is birding at Kit Carson Park?
Birding at Kit Carson Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Kit Carson Park?
Kit Carson Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails.