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

Location

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Notable Species

Canada Goose Surf Scoter Black Oystercatcher Black-bellied Plover Killdeer

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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

14/18/2026

Steller's Jay

24/18/2026

California Scrub-Jay

14/18/2026

Chestnut-backed Chickadee

24/18/2026

Violet-green Swallow

54/18/2026

Barn Swallow

24/18/2026

American Robin

34/18/2026

Wilson's Warbler

24/18/2026

Brandt's Cormorant

34/17/2026

Black Oystercatcher

84/17/2026

Hudsonian Whimbrel

354/17/2026

Black Turnstone

34/17/2026

California Gull

184/17/2026

Turkey Vulture

14/17/2026

Osprey

14/17/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

14/17/2026

Canada Goose

24/17/2026

Surfbird

14/17/2026

Caspian Tern

94/17/2026

Pelagic Cormorant

24/17/2026

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

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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 - Ten Mile Beach for birding?▼

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

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

Notable species at MacKerricher State Park - Ten Mile Beach include Canada Goose, Surf Scoter, Black Oystercatcher, Black-bellied Plover, Killdeer. The area supports coastal habitats.

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

Birding at MacKerricher State Park - Ten Mile 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 - Ten Mile Beach?▼

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