Refugio State Beach

California · Southwest

ModerateView on eBird Directions

Habitat

Coastal

Best Seasons

Fall Winter Spring

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Refugio State Beach is a productive birding destination in California, with 258 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Surf Scoter, Hudsonian Whimbrel, and Long-billed Curlew among many others. The unique desert and riparian habitats support specialty species alongside wintering and migrating birds.

Location

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Notable Species

Surf Scoter Hudsonian Whimbrel Long-billed Curlew Willet Ring-billed Gull

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Scarlet Tanager

Piranga olivacea

5/31/2026Refugio Creek Canyon1 observed

White-winged Dove

Zenaida asiatica

5/30/2026Hale Nahele1 observed

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

Corthylio calendula

5/29/20265049 Walnut Park Drive1 observed

Swinhoe's White-eye

Zosterops simplex

5/29/2026Ellwood Mesa Open Space1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

5/28/2026Refugio Road1 observed

Hooded Warbler

Setophaga citrina

5/27/2026Santa Ynez Valley (location obscured)1 observed

Forster's Tern

Sterna forsteri

5/21/2026UCSB North Campus Open Space (formerly Ocean Meadows Golf Course)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Eurasian Collared-Dove

15/21/2026

California Gull

25/21/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

15/21/2026

Acorn Woodpecker

15/21/2026

Prairie Falcon

15/21/2026

American Crow

45/21/2026

Cliff Swallow

505/21/2026

House Sparrow

55/21/2026

House Finch

25/21/2026

Song Sparrow

35/21/2026

Birding Tips

1
Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.
2
Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.
3
Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.

Amenities

Parking

Trails

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

Understanding Bird Migration

12 min read

Spring Birding in New York City

12 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Refugio State Beach for birding?▼

The best months to visit Refugio State Beach for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.

What birds can I see at Refugio State Beach?▼

Notable species at Refugio State Beach include Surf Scoter, Hudsonian Whimbrel, Long-billed Curlew, Willet, Ring-billed Gull. The area supports coastal habitats.

How difficult is birding at Refugio State Beach?▼

Birding at Refugio State Beach is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.

What amenities are available at Refugio State Beach?▼

Refugio State Beach offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.