McGrath State Beach - general

California · Southwest

ModerateView on eBird Directions

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

Sora

Porzana carolina

5/28/2026Ventura Settling Ponds1 observed

Greater White-fronted Goose

Anser albifrons

5/27/2026Walter B. Moranda Park (incl. Bubbling Springs Rec Corridor)1 observed

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

Corthylio calendula

5/25/2026Matilija Lake riparian area1 observed

Indigo Bunting

Passerina cyanea

5/18/2026Cañada Larga Rd.1 observed

Little Blue Heron

Egretta caerulea

5/17/2026Tarpits Beach1 observed

Bank Swallow

Riparia riparia

5/16/2026Saticoy Spreading Ponds3 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Northern Shoveler

15/28/2026

Gadwall

605/28/2026

Mallard

405/28/2026

Ruddy Duck

65/28/2026

American Avocet

25/28/2026

Killdeer

15/28/2026

Hudsonian Whimbrel

45/28/2026

Long-billed Curlew

15/28/2026

Willet

15/28/2026

Sanderling

45/28/2026

Western Gull

1055/28/2026

California Gull

55/28/2026

Black Skimmer

45/28/2026

Least Tern

195/28/2026

Caspian Tern

35/28/2026

Elegant Tern

2005/28/2026

Royal Tern

15/28/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

15/28/2026

Western Grebe

115/28/2026

Clark's Grebe

15/28/2026

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

Salton Sea

Desert oasis lake critical for Pacific Flyway shorebirds despite environmental challenges.

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

Fall Bird Migration Guide

10 min read

Understanding Bird Migration

12 min read

Spring Birding in New York City

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.