Refugio State Beach

California · Southwest

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
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

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Least Bittern

Botaurus exilis

3/6/2026UCSB North Campus Open Space (formerly Ocean Meadows Golf Course)2 observed

Common Merganser

Mergus merganser

3/6/2026UCSB North Campus Open Space (formerly Ocean Meadows Golf Course)1 observed

Anna's x Costa's Hummingbird (hybrid)

Calypte anna x costae

3/5/2026Lake Los Carneros Park1 observed

Common Ground Dove

Columbina passerina

3/4/2026Farren Road4 observed

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

3/1/2026Tecolotito creek at Glen Annie and Cathedral Oaks1 observed

Greater Scaup

Aythya marila

2/28/2026Cachuma Lake Park2 observed

Tropical Kingbird

Tyrannus melancholicus

2/27/2026UCSB--Campus Lagoon1 observed

White-winged Dove

Zenaida asiatica

2/25/2026Atascadero Creek--East of Patterson including Mitigation Area1 observed

Chipping Sparrow

Spizella passerina

2/25/2026Sedgwick Reserve (restricted access)2 observed

Western Flycatcher

Empidonax difficilis

2/22/2026Old RR Grade X More Mesa - 34.42426, -119.801721 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Surf Scoter

22/25/2026

Hudsonian Whimbrel

22/25/2026

Long-billed Curlew

12/25/2026

Willet

112/25/2026

Ring-billed Gull

82/25/2026

Western Gull

82/25/2026

California Gull

32/25/2026

Royal Tern

32/25/2026

Western Grebe

162/25/2026

Pacific Loon

12/25/2026

Common Loon

12/25/2026

Brandt's Cormorant

72/25/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

12/25/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

12/25/2026

American Kestrel

12/25/2026

Black Phoebe

12/25/2026

Cassin's Kingbird

12/25/2026

American Crow

12/25/2026

House Sparrow

22/25/2026

Killdeer

52/21/2026

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 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.