Los Penasquitos Lagoon - mouth & beach

California · Southwest

ModerateView on eBird Directions

Habitat

WetlandCoastal

Best Seasons

Fall Winter Spring

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Los Penasquitos Lagoon - mouth & beach is a productive birding destination in California, with 235 species recorded on eBird. This wetland and coastal habitat attracts Bonaparte's Gull, Willet, and Western Gull among many others. The unique desert and riparian habitats support specialty species alongside wintering and migrating birds.

Location

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Notable Species

Bonaparte's Gull Willet Western Gull California Gull Western Grebe

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Common Loon

Gavia immer

7/9/2026San Antonio Ave, San Diego US-CA 32.70867, -117.237201 observed

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

7/8/2026Lake Murray--southeast side2 observed

Tricolored Blackbird

Agelaius tricolor

7/8/2026Lake Murray--southeast side1 observed

Ridgway's Rail

Rallus obsoletus

7/8/2026San Dieguito Sports Fields & Riparian1 observed

Mountain Chickadee

Poecile gambeli

7/8/2026Batiquitos Lagoon--north side trails2 observed

Pacific Loon

Gavia pacifica

7/8/2026H Street Viewpoint2 observed

Oak Titmouse

Baeolophus inornatus

7/6/2026Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve--east2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Heermann's Gull

7/7/2026

Elegant Tern

7/7/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

7/7/2026

Great Egret

7/7/2026

Brown Pelican

7/7/2026

Osprey

7/7/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

7/7/2026

Cassin's Kingbird

7/7/2026

Common Raven

7/7/2026

Northern Mockingbird

7/7/2026

Song Sparrow

7/7/2026

Western Gull

7/6/2026

Least Tern

7/6/2026

American Crow

7/6/2026

Mourning Dove

17/3/2026

Long-billed Curlew

37/3/2026

California Gull

27/3/2026

Royal Tern

47/3/2026

Common Loon

177/3/2026

Brandt's Cormorant

77/3/2026

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 Los Penasquitos Lagoon - mouth & beach for birding?▼

The best months to visit Los Penasquitos Lagoon - mouth & beach for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.

What birds can I see at Los Penasquitos Lagoon - mouth & beach?▼

Notable species at Los Penasquitos Lagoon - mouth & beach include Bonaparte's Gull, Willet, Western Gull, California Gull, Western Grebe. The area supports wetland, coastal habitats.

How difficult is birding at Los Penasquitos Lagoon - mouth & beach?▼

Birding at Los Penasquitos Lagoon - mouth & beach is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.

What amenities are available at Los Penasquitos Lagoon - mouth & beach?▼

Los Penasquitos Lagoon - mouth & beach offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.