Desert birding habitat

Miller/Knox Regional Shoreline

California · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Miller/Knox Regional Shoreline is a productive birding destination in California, with 243 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Canada Goose, American Wigeon, and Mallard 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

Brant (Black)

Branta bernicla

7/10/2026MLK Jr. Regional Shoreline1 observed

Black Turnstone

Arenaria melanocephala

7/10/2026McLaughlin Eastshore SP--Albany access1 observed

Allen's Hummingbird

Selasphorus sasin

7/10/2026McLaughlin Eastshore SP--Albany access1 observed

Wood Duck

Aix sponsa

7/10/2026Golden Gate Park--Blue Heron Lake & Strawberry Hill1 observed

Brant

Branta bernicla

7/10/2026San Pablo Bay NWR--Hwy 37 Pullout/Cullinan Ranch Trail5 observed

Least Bittern

Botaurus exilis

7/10/2026Las Gallinas Valley Sanitary District2 observed

Cackling Goose

Branta hutchinsii

7/10/2026MLK Jr. Regional Shoreline1 observed

Bar-tailed Godwit

Limosa lapponica

7/10/2026MLK Jr. Regional Shoreline1 observed

Red-necked Phalarope

Phalaropus lobatus

7/10/2026Ocean Beach-- across from Oceanside Water Polution Plant (FOR STATIONARY SEAWATCH ONLY)3 observed

Pacific Loon

Gavia pacifica

7/10/2026Ocean Beach-- across from Oceanside Water Polution Plant (FOR STATIONARY SEAWATCH ONLY)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Western Gull

57/5/2026

California Gull

257/5/2026

Caspian Tern

37/5/2026

Elegant Tern

407/5/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

57/5/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

17/5/2026

Snowy Egret

27/5/2026

Great Egret

17/5/2026

Great Blue Heron

17/5/2026

Brown Pelican

207/5/2026

Turkey Vulture

17/5/2026

Black Phoebe

17/5/2026

American Crow

37/5/2026

Barn Swallow

57/5/2026

House Finch

57/5/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

37/5/2026

California Towhee

17/5/2026

Canada Goose

607/5/2026

Rock Pigeon

207/5/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

37/5/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Start birding at dawn when desert birds are most active before the heat.

  2. 2

    Check around water sources, which concentrate desert species.

  3. 3

    Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Miller/Knox Regional Shoreline for birding?
The best months to visit Miller/Knox Regional Shoreline for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Miller/Knox Regional Shoreline?
Notable species at Miller/Knox Regional Shoreline include Canada Goose, American Wigeon, Mallard, Greater Scaup, Lesser Scaup. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at Miller/Knox Regional Shoreline?
Birding at Miller/Knox Regional Shoreline is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Miller/Knox Regional Shoreline?
Miller/Knox Regional Shoreline offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.