The Birding Hub
The Birding Hub
A drone shot of the Pacific Ocean and the La Jolla seaside neighborhood in San Diego, California, on a cloudy day

Point La Jolla - seawatch

California · Southwest

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

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open daily

About This Location

Point La Jolla - seawatch is a productive birding destination in California, with 259 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Rock Pigeon, Allen's Hummingbird, and Black Oystercatcher among many others. The unique desert and riparian habitats support specialty species alongside wintering and migrating birds.

Location

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Notable Species

Rock PigeonAllen's HummingbirdBlack OystercatcherHudsonian WhimbrelSpotted SandpiperLittle Blue HeronNorthern MockingbirdMourning DoveAnna's HummingbirdBlack PhoebeAmerican CrowBushtit

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Swainson's Hawk

Buteo swainsoni

5/27/20269448 Knowlton Ct1 observed

White-eyed Vireo

Vireo griseus

5/27/2026Santee Lakes

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

5/27/2026Ocean Air Community Park1 observed

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

5/27/2026Point Loma Nazarene University1 observed

Wild Turkey

Meleagris gallopavo

5/27/2026Santee Lakes1 observed

Nazca Booby

Sula granti

5/27/2026Point La Jolla--seawatch1 observed

Indigo Bunting

Passerina cyanea

5/27/2026Lake Hodges--east end (footbridge, lakebed, scrub)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Rock Pigeon

45/27/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

15/27/2026

Allen's Hummingbird

15/27/2026

Black Oystercatcher

25/27/2026

Heermann's Gull

25/27/2026

Western Gull

105/27/2026

California Gull

25/27/2026

Caspian Tern

15/27/2026

Elegant Tern

505/27/2026

Royal Tern

305/27/2026

Brandt's Cormorant

5/27/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

25/27/2026

Brown Pelican

5/27/2026

American Crow

15/27/2026

Common Raven

45/27/2026

House Sparrow

15/27/2026

Song Sparrow

25/27/2026

California Towhee

15/27/2026

Cocos Booby

35/27/2026

Nazca Booby

15/27/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Start birding at dawn when desert birds are most active before the heat.

  2. 2

    Check around water sources, which concentrate desert species.

  3. 3

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

  4. 4

    Check tide tables before visiting — low tide exposes mudflats that attract the most shorebirds.

  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

  • La Jolla Cove
  • Torrey Pines State Reserve
  • Famosa Slough

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 Point La Jolla - seawatch for birding?▼
The best months to visit Point La Jolla - seawatch for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Point La Jolla - seawatch?▼
Notable species at Point La Jolla - seawatch include Rock Pigeon, Allen's Hummingbird, Black Oystercatcher, Hudsonian Whimbrel, Spotted Sandpiper, Little Blue Heron, Northern Mockingbird, Mourning Dove, Anna's Hummingbird, Black Phoebe, American Crow, Bushtit. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at Point La Jolla - seawatch?▼
Birding at Point La Jolla - seawatch is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Point La Jolla - seawatch?▼
There is no entrance fee at Point La Jolla - seawatch. Hours: Open daily.
What amenities are available at Point La Jolla - seawatch?▼
Point La Jolla - seawatch offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.