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

Black Scoter

Melanitta americana

5/31/2026Bolsa Chica--walkbridge/inner bay1 observed

Swainson's Hawk

Buteo swainsoni

5/31/2026stakeout Swainson's Hawk, Seal Beach (2019)2 observed

Masked Booby

Sula dactylatra

5/31/2026Charlie Beach, Los Angeles US-CA 33.96392, -118.459581 observed

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

5/31/2026AES Redondo Wetland1 observed

Bufflehead

Bucephala albeola

5/31/2026AES Redondo Wetland1 observed

Brown Pelican

Pelecanus occidentalis

5/31/2026Ken Malloy Harbor Regional Park2 observed

Blue-winged Teal

Spatula discors

5/30/2026Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve2 observed

Clark's Grebe

Aechmophorus clarkii

5/29/2026Santa Catalina Channel (LA Co., offshore species only)1 observed

Brown Pelican (California)

Pelecanus occidentalis

5/29/2026Miramar Park, Torrance1 observed

Rock Pigeon

Columba livia

5/27/2026Bolsa Chica--walkbridge/inner bay1 observed

Little Blue Heron

Egretta caerulea

5/27/2026Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve, Huntington Beach US-CA 33.69856, -118.046961 observed

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Pheucticus ludovicianus

5/26/20264980 Stevely Ave, Lakewood US-CA 33.84820, -118.100851 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

15/31/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

25/31/2026

Common Raven

25/31/2026

Swinhoe's White-eye

35/31/2026

Northern House Wren

15/31/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

25/31/2026

Spotted Towhee

15/31/2026

Orange-crowned Warbler

15/31/2026

Allen's Hummingbird

15/28/2026

Downy Woodpecker

15/28/2026

Western Flycatcher

15/28/2026

Black Phoebe

15/28/2026

Bushtit

45/28/2026

House Finch

15/28/2026

California Towhee

15/28/2026

Hooded Oriole

25/28/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

25/28/2026

Cooper's Hawk

15/28/2026

Yellow-chevroned Parakeet

55/28/2026

Western Wood-Pewee

25/28/2026

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.