Madrona Marsh

California · Southwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open Tue-Sun, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

About This Location

Madrona Marsh is a productive birding destination in California, with 276 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Cinnamon Teal, and American Wigeon 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

Baltimore Oriole

Icterus galbula

3/5/2026Doris Japanese Garden2 observed

Black-and-white Warbler

Mniotilta varia

3/5/2026Athens Park1 observed

Tropical Kingbird

Tyrannus melancholicus

3/5/2026San Gabriel Coastal Basin Spreading Grounds1 observed

Hudsonian Whimbrel

Numenius hudsonicus

3/5/2026Madrona Marsh8 observed

Hooded Oriole

Icterus cucullatus

3/5/2026Colorado Lagoon2 observed

Plumbeous Vireo

Vireo plumbeus

3/5/2026La Palma Central Park1 observed

Red-throated Loon

Gavia stellata

3/4/2026Earvin Magic Johnson Park1 observed

Palm Warbler

Setophaga palmarum

3/4/2026Earvin Magic Johnson Park1 observed

Blackburnian Warbler

Setophaga fusca

3/4/2026My Yard1 observed

Pine Warbler

Setophaga pinus

3/4/2026Belvedere Park Lake1 observed

Greater Scaup

Aythya marila

3/4/2026Bolsa Chica--Interpretive Center/Bolsa Bay4 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

23/5/2026

Cinnamon Teal

23/5/2026

American Wigeon

33/5/2026

Mallard

23/5/2026

Mourning Dove

13/5/2026

American Coot

33/5/2026

Cassin's Kingbird

13/5/2026

California Scrub-Jay

13/5/2026

Common Raven

53/5/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

123/5/2026

Bushtit

23/5/2026

Northern House Wren

3/5/2026

House Sparrow

33/5/2026

House Finch

3/5/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

13/5/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

23/5/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

23/5/2026

Northern Shoveler

203/5/2026

Gadwall

13/5/2026

Green-winged Teal

23/5/2026

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.

  4. 4

    Bring insect repellent — wetland areas can have significant mosquito activity, especially in warmer months.

  5. 5

    Bring quality optics — a good pair of binoculars (8x42 or 10x42) makes all the difference in species identification.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Madrona Marsh for birding?
The best months to visit Madrona Marsh for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Madrona Marsh?
Notable species at Madrona Marsh include Canada Goose, Cinnamon Teal, American Wigeon, Mallard, Mourning Dove, Western Gull, Brown Pelican, Rock Pigeon, Black Phoebe, American Crow, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, House Sparrow. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Madrona Marsh?
Birding at Madrona Marsh is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Madrona Marsh?
There is no entrance fee at Madrona Marsh. Hours: Open Tue-Sun, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM.
What amenities are available at Madrona Marsh?
Madrona Marsh offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.