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

Greater White-fronted Goose

Anser albifrons

7/17/2026Walter B. Moranda Park (incl. Bubbling Springs Rec Corridor)1 observed

South Polar Skua

Stercorarius maccormicki

7/14/2026Santa Barbara Channel--east channel (VEN Co.)1 observed

American Oystercatcher

Haematopus palliatus

7/13/2026Anacapa Island--public access (VEN Co.)2 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

7/13/2026Avenal St. and Santa Ana Rd.1 observed

Red-necked Phalarope

Phalaropus lobatus

7/13/2026Santa Barbara Channel--east channel (VEN Co.)3 observed

Black-vented Shearwater

Puffinus opisthomelas

7/12/2026Santa Barbara Channel--east channel (VEN Co.)2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

107/17/2026

American Avocet

27/17/2026

Snowy Plover

37/17/2026

Hudsonian Whimbrel

477/17/2026

Long-billed Curlew

57/17/2026

Western Sandpiper

807/17/2026

Heermann's Gull

307/17/2026

Western Gull

247/17/2026

Least Tern

227/17/2026

Forster's Tern

107/17/2026

Elegant Tern

87/17/2026

Royal Tern

47/17/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

17/17/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

297/17/2026

Snowy Egret

17/17/2026

Great Egret

17/17/2026

Great Blue Heron

27/17/2026

Brown Pelican

207/17/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

17/17/2026

Black Phoebe

17/17/2026

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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Mono Lake

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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.