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

Swainson's Hawk

Buteo swainsoni

5/27/2026stakeout Swainson's Hawk, Seal Beach (2019)1 observed

Brown Pelican

Pelecanus occidentalis

5/27/2026San Gabriel River--Willow to 7th St.2 observed

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Pheucticus ludovicianus

5/26/20264980 Stevely Ave, Lakewood US-CA 33.84820, -118.100851 observed

Bufflehead

Bucephala albeola

5/25/2026AES Redondo Wetland1 observed

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

5/25/2026Golden Shore Marine Reserve1 observed

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

5/23/2026Signal hill--north side trails1 observed

Merlin

Falco columbarius

5/23/2026Ballona Freshwater Marsh1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

15/28/2026

Mallard

165/28/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

25/28/2026

Mourning Dove

95/28/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

15/28/2026

Allen's Hummingbird

85/28/2026

Killdeer

25/28/2026

Western Gull

55/28/2026

Snowy Egret

15/28/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

15/28/2026

Downy Woodpecker

15/28/2026

Western Wood-Pewee

15/28/2026

Black Phoebe

95/28/2026

Say's Phoebe

25/28/2026

Western Warbling Vireo

15/28/2026

American Crow

105/28/2026

Common Raven

65/28/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

125/28/2026

Bushtit

125/28/2026

Swinhoe's White-eye

115/28/2026

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.