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

Oak Titmouse

Baeolophus inornatus

5/31/2026Aliso and Wood Canyons WP--Aliso Creek Trail to Wood Canyon Trail1 observed

Mountain Chickadee

Poecile gambeli

5/30/2026Short loop2 observed

Least Tern

Sternula antillarum

5/29/2026Whelan Lake Bird Sanctuary (permission required)1 observed

Black-chinned x Allen's Hummingbird (hybrid)

Archilochus alexandri x Selasphorus sasin

5/27/2026Dove Canyon1 observed

Pigeon Guillemot

Cepphus columba

5/27/2026Trailhead Trestles, San Clemente, California2 observed

Black Swift

Cypseloides niger

5/26/2026Arroyo Trabuco Golf Course4 observed

White-crowned Sparrow

Zonotrichia leucophrys

5/26/2026Sea Summit trails1 observed

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

Polioptila caerulea

5/26/2026Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park5 observed

Sooty Tern

Onychoprion fuscatus

5/25/2026San Clemente Pier1 observed

Brown Pelican

Pelecanus occidentalis

5/25/2026Panhe Nature Trail5 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

15/27/2026

Western Gull

125/27/2026

California Gull

85/27/2026

Caspian Tern

15/27/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

15/27/2026

Brown Pelican

405/27/2026

Northern Harrier

15/27/2026

American Crow

55/27/2026

Tree Swallow

25/27/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

15/27/2026

Cliff Swallow

15/27/2026

Scaly-breasted Munia

55/27/2026

House Finch

55/27/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

25/27/2026

Song Sparrow

435/27/2026

Yellow-breasted Chat

15/27/2026

Killdeer

15/26/2026

Heermann's Gull

15/26/2026

Snowy Egret

25/26/2026

Black Phoebe

15/26/2026

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.