The Birding Hub
The Birding Hub
a large white bird flying over a body of water

MLK Jr. Regional Shoreline - Arrowhead Marsh

California · Southwest

ModerateOfficial Site View on eBird Directions
Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open daily, 5:00 AM - 10:00 PM

About This Location

MLK Jr. Regional Shoreline - Arrowhead Marsh is a productive birding destination in California, with 240 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Cinnamon Teal, and Northern Shoveler 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 GooseCinnamon TealNorthern ShovelerMallardGreater ScaupAmerican CrowWestern BluebirdCedar WaxwingRock PigeonAnna's HummingbirdWestern GullTurkey Vulture

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Spotted Sandpiper

Actitis macularius

5/31/2026EBMUD--Valle Vista Staging Area (permit required)1 observed

Bank Swallow

Riparia riparia

5/31/2026Lake Merced--Gun Club1 observed

White-crowned Sparrow (Gambel's)

Zonotrichia leucophrys

5/31/2026Bryce Canyon Ct., San Ramon, CA1 observed

Vermilion Flycatcher

Pyrocephalus rubinus

5/31/2026Ken Mercer Sports Park1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

5/31/2026Golden Gate Park--North Lake1 observed

Greater Scaup

Aythya marila

5/31/2026Nob Hill Pond--Market side of pond BBA Block San Mateo SE1 observed

Scaly-breasted Munia

Lonchura punctulata

5/31/2026Pine Lake Park & Stern Grove1 observed

Chipping Sparrow

Spizella passerina

5/31/2026Sugarloaf Open Space1 observed

Red-eyed Vireo

Vireo olivaceus

5/31/2026Lake Merced--Impound Lake1 observed

Rhinoceros Auklet

Cerorhinca monocerata

5/31/2026Sutro Baths--seawatch5 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

505/31/2026

Rock Pigeon

125/31/2026

White-throated Swift

45/31/2026

Black-necked Stilt

45/31/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

15/31/2026

Snowy Egret

15/31/2026

Great Blue Heron

15/31/2026

Cooper's Hawk

15/31/2026

Black Phoebe

25/31/2026

Barn Swallow

45/31/2026

Marsh Wren

55/31/2026

Northern Mockingbird

15/31/2026

Song Sparrow

65/31/2026

Mallard

25/31/2026

Ridgway's Rail

115/31/2026

American Avocet

25/31/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

25/31/2026

Forster's Tern

75/31/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

25/31/2026

Great Egret

25/31/2026

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

    Bring insect repellent — wetland areas can have significant mosquito activity, especially in warmer months.

  5. 5

    Bring quality optics — a good pair of binoculars (8x42 or 10x42) makes all the difference in species identification.

Amenities

Parking
Trails

Nearby Attractions

  • San Leandro Bay
  • Arrowhead Marsh
  • Oakland International Airport Wetlands

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California Birding Guide

Complete guide to birding in California →

Birding Guides

Fall Bird Migration Guide

10 min read

How to Attract Hummingbirds

10 min read

Understanding Bird Migration

12 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit MLK Jr. Regional Shoreline - Arrowhead Marsh for birding?▼
The best months to visit MLK Jr. Regional Shoreline - Arrowhead Marsh for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at MLK Jr. Regional Shoreline - Arrowhead Marsh?▼
Notable species at MLK Jr. Regional Shoreline - Arrowhead Marsh include Canada Goose, Cinnamon Teal, Northern Shoveler, Mallard, Greater Scaup, American Crow, Western Bluebird, Cedar Waxwing, Rock Pigeon, Anna's Hummingbird, Western Gull, Turkey Vulture. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at MLK Jr. Regional Shoreline - Arrowhead Marsh?▼
Birding at MLK Jr. Regional Shoreline - Arrowhead Marsh is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at MLK Jr. Regional Shoreline - Arrowhead Marsh?▼
There is no entrance fee at MLK Jr. Regional Shoreline - Arrowhead Marsh. Hours: Open daily, 5:00 AM - 10:00 PM.
What amenities are available at MLK Jr. Regional Shoreline - Arrowhead Marsh?▼
MLK Jr. Regional Shoreline - Arrowhead Marsh offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.