Wetland birding habitat

San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge - Sweetwater Marsh Unit / Living Coast Discovery Center (limited access)

California · Southwest

Habitat
WetlandCoastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge - Sweetwater Marsh Unit / Living Coast Discovery Center (limited access) is a productive birding destination in California, with 222 species recorded on eBird. This wetland and coastal habitat attracts Western Gull, Double-crested Cormorant, and Northern Mockingbird among many others. The unique desert and riparian habitats support specialty species alongside wintering and migrating birds.

Location

Loading map...

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

Wild Turkey

Meleagris gallopavo

7/21/2026Santee Lakes1 observed

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher

Tyrannus forficatus

7/20/2026San Carlos Community Park1 observed

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

7/20/2026Famosa Slough, San Diego US-CA 32.75239, -117.229101 observed

Common Ground Dove

Columbina passerina

7/20/2026Tijuana River Valley--Bird & Butterfly Garden (Myers Ranch)3 observed

Lawrence's Goldfinch

Spinus lawrencei

7/20/2026Tijuana River Valley--Bird & Butterfly Garden (Myers Ranch)1 observed

Inca Dove

Columbina inca

7/20/2026Tijuana River Valley--Community Gardens1 observed

Common Murre

Uria aalge

7/20/2026Point La Jolla--seawatch1 observed

Pacific Golden-Plover

Pluvialis fulva

7/19/2026Bayshore Bikeway--10th Street (Pond 23)2 observed

Lesser Frigatebird

Fregata ariel

7/19/2026Sunset Cliffs--pullouts1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Black-bellied Plover

57/11/2026

Western Sandpiper

427/11/2026

Northern Mockingbird

17/11/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge - Sweetwater Marsh Unit / Living Coast Discovery Center (limited access) for birding?
The best months to visit San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge - Sweetwater Marsh Unit / Living Coast Discovery Center (limited access) for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge - Sweetwater Marsh Unit / Living Coast Discovery Center (limited access)?
Notable species at San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge - Sweetwater Marsh Unit / Living Coast Discovery Center (limited access) include Western Gull, Double-crested Cormorant, Northern Mockingbird, Song Sparrow, Long-billed Curlew. The area supports wetland, coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge - Sweetwater Marsh Unit / Living Coast Discovery Center (limited access)?
Birding at San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge - Sweetwater Marsh Unit / Living Coast Discovery Center (limited access) is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge - Sweetwater Marsh Unit / Living Coast Discovery Center (limited access)?
San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge - Sweetwater Marsh Unit / Living Coast Discovery Center (limited access) offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.