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Malibu Lagoon - State Beach including Lagoon

California · Southwest

Habitat
WetlandCoastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

Entrance Fee

$12 parking

Hours

Open daily, 8 AM to sunset

About This Location

Malibu Lagoon - State Beach including Lagoon is a productive birding destination in California, with 322 species recorded on eBird. This wetland and coastal habitat attracts Red-breasted Merganser, Mourning Dove, and Anna's Hummingbird 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

Grace's Warbler

Setophaga graciae

5/25/2026Peter Strauss Ranch1 observed

Merlin

Falco columbarius

5/23/2026Ballona Freshwater Marsh1 observed

Cackling Goose (Aleutian)

Branta hutchinsii

5/22/2026Rancho Simi Community Park1 observed

Rufous Hummingbird

Selasphorus rufus

5/15/2026Home1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Brant

15/28/2026

Gadwall

205/28/2026

Mallard

55/28/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

25/28/2026

Mourning Dove

15/28/2026

Black-bellied Plover

35/28/2026

Killdeer

45/28/2026

Hudsonian Whimbrel

55/28/2026

Western Gull

5/28/2026

California Gull

5/28/2026

Caspian Tern

105/28/2026

Western Grebe

15/28/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

155/28/2026

Snowy Egret

35/28/2026

Great Blue Heron

25/28/2026

Brown Pelican

5/28/2026

Turkey Vulture

15/28/2026

Osprey

25/28/2026

Peregrine Falcon

15/28/2026

Black Phoebe

35/28/2026

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

    Check tide tables before visiting — low tide exposes mudflats that attract the most shorebirds.

  5. 5

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Malibu Lagoon - State Beach including Lagoon for birding?
The best months to visit Malibu Lagoon - State Beach including Lagoon for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Malibu Lagoon - State Beach including Lagoon?
Notable species at Malibu Lagoon - State Beach including Lagoon include Red-breasted Merganser, Mourning Dove, Anna's Hummingbird, Allen's Hummingbird, American Coot, Western Gull, Brown Pelican, Rock Pigeon, Cackling Goose, Canada Goose, American Wigeon, Mallard. The area supports wetland, coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Malibu Lagoon - State Beach including Lagoon?
Birding at Malibu Lagoon - State Beach including Lagoon is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Malibu Lagoon - State Beach including Lagoon?
The entrance fee at Malibu Lagoon - State Beach including Lagoon is $12 parking. Hours: Open daily, 8 AM to sunset.
What amenities are available at Malibu Lagoon - State Beach including Lagoon?
Malibu Lagoon - State Beach including Lagoon offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.