Los Penasquitos Lagoon - mouth & beach

California · Southwest

Habitat
WetlandCoastal
Best Seasons
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

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

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

3/6/2026Kate Sessions Neighborhood Park1 observed

White-winged Scoter

Melanitta deglandi

3/6/2026Vacation Isle1 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

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

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

3/6/2026Chollas Reservoir (CA Atlas - National City NE)2 observed

Tricolored Blackbird

Agelaius tricolor

3/6/2026Santee Lakes2 observed

American Redstart

Setophaga ruticilla

3/6/2026Seaport Village area1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Surf Scoter

33/6/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

83/6/2026

Hudsonian Whimbrel

43/6/2026

Heermann's Gull

23/6/2026

Ring-billed Gull

23/6/2026

Western Gull

63/6/2026

California Gull

43/6/2026

Western Grebe

803/6/2026

Red-throated Loon

13/6/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

13/6/2026

Brown Pelican

133/6/2026

Osprey

13/6/2026

California Thrasher

13/6/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

13/6/2026

Bonaparte's Gull

12/27/2026

Willet

22/27/2026

California Towhee

22/27/2026

Common Raven

12/25/2026

Killdeer

12/24/2026

American Kestrel

12/24/2026

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 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.