white and brown UNKs coffee store signage

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

Loading map...

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

Common Loon

Gavia immer

7/20/2026Ballona Creek--lower1 observed

American White Pelican

Pelecanus erythrorhynchos

7/20/2026Zuma4 observed

California Gnatcatcher

Polioptila californica

7/19/2026Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook2 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

7/19/2026Village Green1 observed

Pacific Loon

Gavia pacifica

7/18/2026Playa del Rey/Ballona area1 observed

Lawrence's Goldfinch

Spinus lawrencei

7/18/2026Playa del Rey/Ballona area3 observed

Black-and-white Warbler

Mniotilta varia

7/18/2026Sepulveda Basin--East of Woodley Ave1 observed

Gambel's Quail

Callipepla gambelii

7/14/2026Las Virgenes Canyon Trail, West Hills US-CA (34.1711,-118.7035)1 observed

Verdin

Auriparus flaviceps

7/14/2026Las Virgenes Canyon Trail, West Hills US-CA (34.1711,-118.7035)1 observed

Bufflehead

Bucephala albeola

7/10/2026Lake Sherwood1 observed

Brown Pelican

Pelecanus occidentalis

7/8/2026Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Reserve1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

327/20/2026

American Coot

17/20/2026

Heermann's Gull

17/20/2026

Western Gull

97/20/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

17/20/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

17/20/2026

Green Heron

17/20/2026

Great Blue Heron

17/20/2026

Barn Swallow

217/20/2026

Song Sparrow

17/20/2026

Great-tailed Grackle

37/20/2026

Mourning Dove

17/20/2026

Ring-billed Gull

17/20/2026

Caspian Tern

27/20/2026

Elegant Tern

47/20/2026

Royal Tern

27/20/2026

Snowy Egret

37/20/2026

Great Egret

17/20/2026

Brown Pelican

217/20/2026

California Scrub-Jay

27/20/2026

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.