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

American Oystercatcher

Haematopus palliatus

5/29/2026West Hazard Canyon--Montana de Oro SP1 observed

Long-tailed Duck

Clangula hyemalis

5/29/2026Morro Bay Harbor1 observed

Royal Tern

Thalasseus maximus

5/29/2026Alva Paul Lagoon and beach4 observed

Pacific Wren

Troglodytes pacificus

5/29/2026Coon Creek Trail--Montana de Oro SP1 observed

Elegant Tern

Thalasseus elegans

5/29/2026Morro Strand State Beach4 observed

Vaux's Swift

Chaetura vauxi

5/29/2026Atascadero Lake2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Elegant Tern

45/29/2026

Royal Tern

55/29/2026

Northern Harrier

15/23/2026

Bewick's Wren

55/23/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

35/23/2026

Great Blue Heron

15/22/2026

Brown Pelican

15/22/2026

House Sparrow

25/22/2026

Rock Pigeon

15/21/2026

Hudsonian Whimbrel

65/21/2026

Bonaparte's Gull

25/21/2026

Ring-billed Gull

25/21/2026

Western Gull

225/21/2026

California Gull

185/21/2026

American Crow

35/21/2026

House Finch

65/21/2026

Mallard

25/20/2026

Surf Scoter

105/20/2026

Long-billed Curlew

55/20/2026

Marbled Godwit

35/20/2026

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.