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

Harlequin Duck

Histrionicus histrionicus

4/16/2026MacKerricher SP--Virgin Creek Beach and all of estuary, otherwise WEST of Haul Rd ONLY1 observed

Elegant Tern

Thalasseus elegans

4/16/2026MacKerricher SP--Virgin Creek Beach and all of estuary, otherwise WEST of Haul Rd ONLY2 observed

Vega Gull

Larus vegae

4/11/202610-Mile Beach N - Inglenook Creekmouth1 observed

Long-tailed Duck

Clangula hyemalis

4/5/2026MacKerricher SP- Pudding Cr to Virgin Cr Beach1 observed

Chipping Sparrow

Spizella passerina

4/5/2026MacKerricher SP- Lake Cleone and Campgrounds2 observed

Western Tanager

Piranga ludoviciana

4/4/2026Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

24/17/2026

Hudsonian Whimbrel

74/17/2026

Black Turnstone

14/17/2026

Surfbird

14/17/2026

California Gull

54/17/2026

Caspian Tern

94/17/2026

Pelagic Cormorant

24/17/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

24/17/2026

Song Sparrow

54/17/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

24/17/2026

Brewer's Blackbird

74/17/2026

Black Oystercatcher

14/15/2026

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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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.