Coastal birding habitat

San Mateo Point & Creek (Trestles Beach)

California · Southwest

Habitat
CoastalRiver/Riparian
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

San Mateo Point & Creek (Trestles Beach) is a productive birding destination in California, with 206 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and river/riparian habitat attracts Anna's Hummingbird, Allen's Hummingbird, and Hudsonian Whimbrel 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 Tern

Sternula antillarum

7/8/2026Whelan Lake Bird Sanctuary (permission required)11 observed

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

7/8/2026Whelan Lake Bird Sanctuary (permission required)1 observed

Mountain Chickadee

Poecile gambeli

7/6/2026Dana Woods Park3 observed

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

Polioptila caerulea

7/5/2026Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Laguna Beach US-CA 33.58206, -117.761781 observed

Oak Titmouse

Baeolophus inornatus

7/4/2026Aliso and Wood Canyons WP -- Wood Canyon Trail1 observed

Bank Swallow

Riparia riparia

6/29/2026Canaveras Ridge Walk Trail6 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Anna's Hummingbird

17/5/2026

Allen's Hummingbird

17/5/2026

Western Gull

17/5/2026

Cooper's Hawk

17/5/2026

Bell's Vireo

17/5/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

17/5/2026

American Coot

26/27/2026

Hudsonian Whimbrel

26/27/2026

Heermann's Gull

76/27/2026

Elegant Tern

96/27/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

26/27/2026

Snowy Egret

16/27/2026

Green Heron

16/27/2026

Great-tailed Grackle

16/27/2026

Common Yellowthroat

36/27/2026

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 San Mateo Point & Creek (Trestles Beach) for birding?
The best months to visit San Mateo Point & Creek (Trestles Beach) for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at San Mateo Point & Creek (Trestles Beach)?
Notable species at San Mateo Point & Creek (Trestles Beach) include Anna's Hummingbird, Allen's Hummingbird, Hudsonian Whimbrel, Willet, Sanderling. The area supports coastal, river/riparian habitats.
How difficult is birding at San Mateo Point & Creek (Trestles Beach)?
Birding at San Mateo Point & Creek (Trestles Beach) is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at San Mateo Point & Creek (Trestles Beach)?
San Mateo Point & Creek (Trestles Beach) offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.