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

Loading map...

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

Cinnamon Teal

Spatula cyanoptera

7/9/2026Lake Merced--Concrete Bridge area3 observed

Allen's Hummingbird

Selasphorus sasin

7/9/2026UC Berkeley--Botanical Gardens1 observed

Purple Martin

Progne subis

7/9/2026Home1 observed

Vermilion Flycatcher

Pyrocephalus rubinus

7/9/2026Garin/Dry Creek Pioneer Regional Park1 observed

Red-necked Phalarope

Phalaropus lobatus

7/9/2026Landfill Loop Trail1 observed

Least Tern

Sternula antillarum

7/9/2026Shorebird Park - Beach Park Blvd.5 observed

Ring-necked Duck

Aythya collaris

7/9/2026Sawyer Camp Trail--south5 observed

American Kestrel

Falco sparverius

7/9/2026Pier 94--salt marsh restoration1 observed

Western Warbling Vireo

Vireo swainsoni

7/9/2026Alemany Farm/Saint Mary's Park1 observed

Black Skimmer

Rynchops niger

7/9/2026Heron's Head Park1 observed

Common Loon

Gavia immer

7/9/2026Ocean Beach-- across from Oceanside Water Polution Plant (FOR STATIONARY SEAWATCH ONLY)4 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

177/9/2026

Mallard

737/9/2026

Ridgway's Rail

97/9/2026

Black-necked Stilt

57/9/2026

Killdeer

27/9/2026

Long-billed Curlew

77/9/2026

Marbled Godwit

97/9/2026

Willet

407/9/2026

Least Sandpiper

17/9/2026

Western Gull

27/9/2026

California Gull

77/9/2026

Black Skimmer

67/9/2026

Caspian Tern

27/9/2026

Clark's Grebe

17/9/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

77/9/2026

Snowy Egret

27/9/2026

Great Egret

87/9/2026

Great Blue Heron

37/9/2026

Black Phoebe

17/9/2026

American Crow

37/9/2026

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

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

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.