River/Riparian birding habitat

Ten Mile River mouth

California · Southwest

Habitat
River/Riparian
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Ten Mile River mouth is a productive birding destination in California, with 212 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and Surf Scoter 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

Harlequin Duck

Histrionicus histrionicus

5/25/2026MacKerricher SP--Virgin Creek Beach and all of estuary, otherwise WEST of Haul Rd ONLY1 observed

Short-tailed Shearwater

Ardenna tenuirostris

5/22/2026Caspar Highspot (underwater bank)1 observed

Murphy's Petrel

Pterodroma ultima

5/22/2026Caspar Highspot (underwater bank)4 observed

Hawaiian Petrel

Pterodroma sandwichensis

5/22/2026Caspar Highspot (underwater bank)2 observed

California Gull (albertaensis)

Larus californicus

5/22/2026Caspar Highspot (underwater bank)1 observed

Red-eyed Vireo

Vireo olivaceus

5/20/2026Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens1 observed

Elegant Tern

Thalasseus elegans

5/19/2026MacKerricher SP- Pudding Cr to Virgin Cr Beach2 observed

Cackling Goose (Aleutian)

Branta hutchinsii

5/19/2026MacKerricher SP- Pudding Cr to Virgin Cr Beach1 observed

Franklin's Gull

Leucophaeus pipixcan

5/17/2026MacKerricher State Beach 10 Mile rivermouth to Pt Laguna1 observed

Hudsonian Godwit

Limosa haemastica

5/17/2026MacKerricher State Beach 10 Mile rivermouth to Pt Laguna1 observed

Ring-billed Gull

Larus delawarensis

5/17/2026MacKerricher State Beach 10 Mile rivermouth to Pt Laguna3 observed

Nuttall's Woodpecker

Dryobates nuttallii

5/17/2026Russian Gulch SP-- Headlands Trail1 observed

Golden-crowned Sparrow

Zonotrichia atricapilla

5/16/2026Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens1 observed

Short-billed Gull

Larus brachyrhynchus

5/16/2026MacKerricher SP--Virgin Creek Beach and all of estuary, otherwise WEST of Haul Rd ONLY1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

35/25/2026

Surf Scoter

15/25/2026

Common Merganser

95/25/2026

California Quail

15/25/2026

Killdeer

15/25/2026

Great Blue Heron

25/25/2026

Purple Martin

115/25/2026

Cliff Swallow

2005/25/2026

Wrentit

15/25/2026

Turkey Vulture

25/22/2026

Common Raven

25/22/2026

American Goldfinch

25/22/2026

Song Sparrow

25/22/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Walk along the water slowly, scanning overhanging branches for kingfishers and warblers.

  2. 2

    Check sandbars and gravel bars for shorebirds and terns.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Ten Mile River mouth for birding?
The best months to visit Ten Mile River mouth for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Ten Mile River mouth?
Notable species at Ten Mile River mouth include Canada Goose, Mallard, Surf Scoter, Bufflehead, Common Merganser. The area supports river/riparian habitats.
How difficult is birding at Ten Mile River mouth?
Birding at Ten Mile River mouth is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Ten Mile River mouth?
Ten Mile River mouth offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.