Coastal birding habitat

South Coast Botanic Garden

California · Southwest

Habitat
CoastalUrban Park
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

South Coast Botanic Garden is a productive birding destination in California, with 237 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and urban park habitat attracts Mourning Dove, Allen's Hummingbird, and Red-shouldered Hawk 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

Common Loon

Gavia immer

7/20/2026Ballona Creek--lower1 observed

Brown Pelican

Pelecanus occidentalis

7/20/2026San Gabriel River--Willow to 7th St.1 observed

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

7/20/2026Cabrillo Beach Pier to Cabrillo Fishing Pier, Los Angeles US-CA 33.70725, -118.275092 observed

American Wigeon

Mareca americana

7/20/2026Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve1 observed

Northern Pintail

Anas acuta

7/19/2026Bolsa Chica--walkbridge/inner bay1 observed

California Gnatcatcher

Polioptila californica

7/19/2026Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook2 observed

Surfbird

Calidris virgata

7/19/2026San Gabriel River mouth (ORA Co.)2 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

7/19/2026Village Green1 observed

Pacific Loon

Gavia pacifica

7/18/2026Playa del Rey/Ballona area1 observed

Lawrence's Goldfinch

Spinus lawrencei

7/18/2026Playa del Rey/Ballona area3 observed

Song Sparrow (heermanni Group)

Melospiza melodia

7/18/2026Ocean Trails Reserve and golf course trails10 observed

Bufflehead

Bucephala albeola

7/17/2026AES Redondo Wetland1 observed

Mitred Parakeet

Psittacara mitratus

7/17/2026102 Ballad Lane, Huntington Beach, California, US (33.728, -118.047)50 observed

Mexican Duck

Anas diazi

7/17/2026Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve1 observed

American Oystercatcher

Haematopus palliatus

7/16/2026Cabrillo Beach and pier1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Allen's Hummingbird

27/21/2026

Mitred Parakeet

167/21/2026

Swinhoe's White-eye

87/21/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

17/21/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

47/21/2026

California Towhee

27/21/2026

Spotted Towhee

27/21/2026

Hooded Oriole

17/21/2026

Orange-crowned Warbler

47/21/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

27/21/2026

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 South Coast Botanic Garden for birding?
The best months to visit South Coast Botanic Garden for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at South Coast Botanic Garden?
Notable species at South Coast Botanic Garden include Mourning Dove, Allen's Hummingbird, Red-shouldered Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, American Crow. The area supports coastal, urban park habitats.
How difficult is birding at South Coast Botanic Garden?
Birding at South Coast Botanic Garden is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at South Coast Botanic Garden?
South Coast Botanic Garden offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails.