Coastal birding habitat

MacKerricher State Park - Glass Beach

California · Southwest

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
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

Loading map...

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

Red-necked Grebe

Podiceps grisegena

5/27/2026Van Damme State Park1 observed

Harlequin Duck

Histrionicus histrionicus

5/25/2026MacKerricher SP--Virgin Creek Beach and all of estuary, otherwise WEST of Haul Rd ONLY1 observed

Short-tailed Shearwater

Ardenna tenuirostris

5/22/2026Caspar Highspot (underwater bank)1 observed

Murphy's Petrel

Pterodroma ultima

5/22/2026Caspar Highspot (underwater bank)4 observed

Hawaiian Petrel

Pterodroma sandwichensis

5/22/2026Caspar Highspot (underwater bank)2 observed

California Gull (albertaensis)

Larus californicus

5/22/2026Caspar Highspot (underwater bank)1 observed

Red-eyed Vireo

Vireo olivaceus

5/20/2026Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens1 observed

Elegant Tern

Thalasseus elegans

5/19/2026MacKerricher SP- Pudding Cr to Virgin Cr Beach2 observed

Cackling Goose (Aleutian)

Branta hutchinsii

5/19/2026MacKerricher SP- Pudding Cr to Virgin Cr Beach1 observed

Franklin's Gull

Leucophaeus pipixcan

5/17/2026MacKerricher State Beach 10 Mile rivermouth to Pt Laguna1 observed

Hudsonian Godwit

Limosa haemastica

5/17/2026MacKerricher State Beach 10 Mile rivermouth to Pt Laguna1 observed

Ring-billed Gull

Larus delawarensis

5/17/2026MacKerricher State Beach 10 Mile rivermouth to Pt Laguna3 observed

Nuttall's Woodpecker

Dryobates nuttallii

5/17/2026Russian Gulch SP-- Headlands Trail1 observed

Golden-crowned Sparrow

Zonotrichia atricapilla

5/16/2026Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens1 observed

Short-billed Gull

Larus brachyrhynchus

5/16/2026MacKerricher SP--Virgin Creek Beach and all of estuary, otherwise WEST of Haul Rd ONLY1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Western Gull

25/27/2026

Common Raven

15/27/2026

Song Sparrow

15/27/2026

Rock Pigeon

25/19/2026

Black Oystercatcher

15/19/2026

Killdeer

25/19/2026

Brandt's Cormorant

55/19/2026

Pelagic Cormorant

15/19/2026

Osprey

15/19/2026

Barn Swallow

45/19/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

25/19/2026

Savannah Sparrow

15/19/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

25/19/2026

Brown Pelican

15/19/2026

Brewer's Blackbird

125/19/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.

  2. 2

    Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.

  3. 3

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

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.