MacKerricher State Park - Glass Beach

California · Southwest

EasyView on eBird Directions

Habitat

Coastal

Best Seasons

Fall Winter Spring

Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

MacKerricher State Park - Glass Beach is a productive birding destination in California, with 203 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Black Oystercatcher, Wandering Tattler, and Black Turnstone among many others. The unique desert and riparian habitats support specialty species alongside wintering and migrating birds.

Location

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Notable Species

Black Oystercatcher Wandering Tattler Black Turnstone Western Gull Brandt's Cormorant

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

White-faced Ibis

Plegadis chihi

7/19/202610-Mile Beach S and Inglenook Fen1 observed

Sharp-shinned Hawk

Accipiter striatus

7/10/2026MacKerricher SP—Ward to Pine Grove1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Black Oystercatcher

27/20/2026

Pigeon Guillemot

47/20/2026

Western Gull

507/20/2026

Common Loon

47/20/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

97/20/2026

Osprey

17/20/2026

Tree Swallow

47/20/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

37/20/2026

Pelagic Cormorant

77/20/2026

Brown Pelican

707/20/2026

Black Phoebe

17/20/2026

Common Raven

47/20/2026

Barn Swallow

27/20/2026

Brandt's Cormorant

17/9/2026

Violet-green Swallow

67/9/2026

Brewer's Blackbird

87/9/2026

Birding Tips

1
Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.
2
Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.
3
Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.

Amenities

Parking

Restrooms

Trails

Visitor Center

More in California

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Mono Lake

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California Birding Guide

Complete guide to birding in California →

Birding Guides

Fall Bird Migration Guide

10 min read

Bird Identification: The Four Keys

11 min read

Beginner's Guide to Birdwatching

8 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit MacKerricher State Park - Glass Beach for birding?▼

The best months to visit MacKerricher State Park - Glass Beach for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.

What birds can I see at MacKerricher State Park - Glass Beach?▼

Notable species at MacKerricher State Park - Glass Beach include Black Oystercatcher, Wandering Tattler, Black Turnstone, Western Gull, Brandt's Cormorant. The area supports coastal habitats.

How difficult is birding at MacKerricher State Park - Glass Beach?▼

Birding at MacKerricher State Park - Glass Beach is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.

What amenities are available at MacKerricher State Park - Glass Beach?▼

MacKerricher State Park - Glass Beach offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.