a bird sitting on top of a pole in a field

Madrona Marsh

California · Southwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
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

Bufflehead

Bucephala albeola

7/8/2026AES Redondo Wetland1 observed

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

7/6/2026Sim's Pond Bio Preserve1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

7/5/2026Village Green1 observed

California Gnatcatcher

Polioptila californica

7/4/2026Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook2 observed

Wilson's Warbler

Cardellina pusilla

7/4/2026Ballona Freshwater Marsh2 observed

Red-whiskered Bulbul

Pycnonotus jocosus

7/1/20265582 Oak Dr, La Palma US-CA 33.85384, -118.035861 observed

Brant

Branta bernicla

6/30/2026Ballona Wetlands Ecological Reserve (salt pan)1 observed

Savannah Sparrow (Belding's)

Passerculus sandwichensis

6/30/2026Los Cerritos Wetlands--Area B1 observed

Varied Thrush

Ixoreus naevius

6/29/2026stakeout Red-faced Warbler, Rancho Palos Verdes (2023)1 observed

Hutton's Vireo

Vireo huttoni

6/29/2026Loyola Marymount University1 observed

Rufous-crowned Sparrow

Aimophila ruficeps

6/29/2026Loyola Marymount University1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

107/7/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

27/7/2026

Mourning Dove

117/7/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

17/7/2026

Allen's Hummingbird

77/7/2026

Western Gull

47/7/2026

Snowy Egret

17/7/2026

Great Egret

27/7/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

17/7/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

17/7/2026

Downy Woodpecker

47/7/2026

Western Flycatcher

17/7/2026

Black Phoebe

87/7/2026

Say's Phoebe

17/7/2026

Cassin's Kingbird

17/7/2026

American Crow

77/7/2026

Common Raven

27/7/2026

Cliff Swallow

127/7/2026

Bushtit

207/7/2026

Northern House Wren

27/7/2026

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.