Coastal birding habitat

Morro Strand State Beach

California · Southwest

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Morro Strand State Beach is a productive birding destination in California, with 233 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Mallard, Eurasian Collared-Dove, and Anna's Hummingbird 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

Black Skimmer

Rynchops niger

4/17/2026Morro Bay Estuary (use more specific location(s) when possible)2 observed

Long-tailed Duck

Clangula hyemalis

4/17/2026Bluff Trail--Montana de Oro SP1 observed

King Eider

Somateria spectabilis

4/17/2026Morro Bay Estuary (use more specific location(s) when possible)1 observed

Orchard Oriole

Icterus spurius

4/16/2026Morro Bay yard1 observed

Black-and-white Warbler

Mniotilta varia

4/16/2026Meadow Park--San Luis Obispo1 observed

Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle x Audubon's)

Setophaga coronata

4/16/2026Meadow Park--San Luis Obispo1 observed

Calliope Hummingbird

Selasphorus calliope

4/16/2026Meadow Park--San Luis Obispo1 observed

Nashville Warbler (ridgwayi)

Leiothlypis ruficapilla

4/16/2026Meadow Park--San Luis Obispo1 observed

Elegant Tern

Thalasseus elegans

4/16/2026Morro Strand State Beach3 observed

Canada Warbler

Cardellina canadensis

4/15/2026Meadow Park--San Luis Obispo1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Glaucous-winged Gull

14/16/2026

Elegant Tern

34/16/2026

Royal Tern

24/16/2026

Killdeer

14/9/2026

Hudsonian Whimbrel

14/9/2026

Long-billed Curlew

24/9/2026

Willet

54/9/2026

California Gull

44/9/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.

  2. 2

    Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Morro Strand State Beach for birding?
The best months to visit Morro Strand State Beach for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Morro Strand State Beach?
Notable species at Morro Strand State Beach include Mallard, Eurasian Collared-Dove, Anna's Hummingbird, Long-billed Curlew, Marbled Godwit. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Morro Strand State Beach?
Birding at Morro Strand State Beach is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Morro Strand State Beach?
Morro Strand State Beach offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.