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

7/9/2026Morro Bay Harbor2 observed

Vaux's Swift

Chaetura vauxi

7/9/2026Atascadero Lake1 observed

King Eider

Somateria spectabilis

7/8/2026Morro Bay SP--Marina/Boardwalk Trail1 observed

Long-tailed Duck

Clangula hyemalis

7/8/2026561 Embarcadero (35.363, -120.853)1 observed

Red-breasted Merganser

Mergus serrator

7/8/2026561 Embarcadero (35.363, -120.853)2 observed

Blue-winged Teal

Spatula discors

7/7/2026Sweet Springs Nature Preserve4 observed

American Oystercatcher

Haematopus palliatus

7/7/2026West Hazard Canyon--Montana de Oro SP1 observed

Pacific Wren

Troglodytes pacificus

7/5/2026Coon Creek Trail--Montana de Oro SP1 observed

Least Bittern

Botaurus exilis

7/5/2026Laguna Lake1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

17/6/2026

Hudsonian Whimbrel

97/6/2026

Long-billed Curlew

357/6/2026

Heermann's Gull

457/6/2026

Western Gull

127/6/2026

California Gull

347/6/2026

Elegant Tern

17/6/2026

Royal Tern

47/6/2026

Black Phoebe

17/6/2026

American Crow

17/6/2026

Western Sandpiper

37/5/2026

Surf Scoter

7/5/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

17/5/2026

Killdeer

37/5/2026

Marbled Godwit

47/5/2026

Ring-billed Gull

87/5/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

7/5/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

27/5/2026

Great Blue Heron

37/5/2026

Brown Pelican

17/5/2026

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.