McGrath State Beach - general

California · Southwest

ModerateView on eBird

Habitat

Coastal

Best Seasons

Fall Winter Spring

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

McGrath State Beach - general is a productive birding destination in California, with 274 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Canada Goose, Cinnamon Teal, and Gadwall among many others. The unique desert and riparian habitats support specialty species alongside wintering and migrating birds.

Location

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Notable Species

Canada Goose Cinnamon Teal Gadwall Mallard Ring-necked Duck

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Hooded Oriole

Icterus cucullatus

3/6/2026Ventura Settling Ponds1 observed

Swamp Sparrow

Melospiza georgiana

3/4/2026Lake Jocelyn1 observed

Grasshopper Sparrow

Ammodramus savannarum

2/28/2026Conejo Open Space--Rancho Potrero10 observed

Chestnut-backed Chickadee

Poecile rufescens

2/24/2026Bates Rd. bridge (VEN Co.)1 observed

American x Black Oystercatcher (hybrid)

Haematopus palliatus x bachmani

2/24/2026Ventura Harbor--Marina Park1 observed

Short-billed Gull

Larus brachyrhynchus

2/23/2026Santa Barbara Channel--east channel (Santa Barbara County only)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

22/28/2026

Cinnamon Teal

22/28/2026

Gadwall

62/28/2026

Mallard

32/28/2026

Ring-necked Duck

12/28/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

22/28/2026

Allen's Hummingbird

12/28/2026

American Coot

82/28/2026

Black-bellied Plover

62/28/2026

Killdeer

12/28/2026

Long-billed Curlew

12/28/2026

Willet

102/28/2026

Sanderling

102/28/2026

Least Sandpiper

142/28/2026

Heermann's Gull

172/28/2026

Ring-billed Gull

102/28/2026

Western Gull

502/28/2026

California Gull

102/28/2026

Royal Tern

62/28/2026

Western Grebe

10002/28/2026

Birding Tips

1
Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.
2
Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.
3
Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.

Amenities

Parking

Trails

More in California

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Point Reyes National Seashore

Pacific Coast peninsula with 490+ species and a magnet for rare vagrants.

Mono Lake

Ancient saline lake with millions of migratory birds and surreal tufa towers.

California Birding Guide

Complete guide to birding in California →

Birding Guides

The Ultimate Guide to Fall Bird Migration: Hawks, Sparrows, and Confusing Plumages

10 min read

Understanding Bird Migration: When, Where, and Why Birds Migrate

12 min read

Spring Birding in New York City: The Complete Urban Migration Guide

12 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit McGrath State Beach - general for birding?▼

The best months to visit McGrath State Beach - general for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.

What birds can I see at McGrath State Beach - general?▼

Notable species at McGrath State Beach - general include Canada Goose, Cinnamon Teal, Gadwall, Mallard, Ring-necked Duck. The area supports coastal habitats.

How difficult is birding at McGrath State Beach - general?▼

Birding at McGrath State Beach - general is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.

What amenities are available at McGrath State Beach - general?▼

McGrath State Beach - general offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.