Wetland birding habitat

Tijuana Slough National Wildlife Refuge - Visitor Center/North McCoy Trail

California · Southwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Tijuana Slough National Wildlife Refuge - Visitor Center/North McCoy Trail is a productive birding destination in California, with 243 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Anna's Hummingbird, American Coot, and Snowy Egret among many others. The unique desert and riparian habitats support specialty species alongside wintering and migrating birds.

Location

Loading map...

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

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher

Tyrannus forficatus

7/20/2026San Carlos Community Park1 observed

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

7/20/2026Famosa Slough, San Diego US-CA 32.75239, -117.229101 observed

Common Ground Dove

Columbina passerina

7/20/2026Tijuana River Valley--Bird & Butterfly Garden (Myers Ranch)3 observed

Lawrence's Goldfinch

Spinus lawrencei

7/20/2026Tijuana River Valley--Bird & Butterfly Garden (Myers Ranch)1 observed

Inca Dove

Columbina inca

7/20/2026Tijuana River Valley--Community Gardens1 observed

Pacific Golden-Plover

Pluvialis fulva

7/19/2026Bayshore Bikeway--10th Street (Pond 23)2 observed

Lesser Frigatebird

Fregata ariel

7/19/2026Sunset Cliffs--pullouts1 observed

Pacific Loon

Gavia pacifica

7/19/2026Hotel del Coronado & beach2 observed

Bank Swallow

Riparia riparia

7/19/2026San Diego Bay NWR--SoCal Saltworks (restricted access)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

57/20/2026

Ridgway's Rail

27/20/2026

Willet

67/20/2026

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

37/20/2026

Snowy Egret

17/20/2026

Northern Harrier

17/20/2026

Black Phoebe

17/20/2026

Say's Phoebe

17/20/2026

American Crow

37/20/2026

Cliff Swallow

87/20/2026

Savannah Sparrow

67/20/2026

Common Yellowthroat

47/20/2026

Mallard

67/18/2026

Elegant Tern

507/18/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

67/18/2026

Great Egret

47/18/2026

Osprey

17/18/2026

House Finch

17/18/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

37/18/2026

Song Sparrow

37/18/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Tijuana Slough National Wildlife Refuge - Visitor Center/North McCoy Trail for birding?
The best months to visit Tijuana Slough National Wildlife Refuge - Visitor Center/North McCoy Trail for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Tijuana Slough National Wildlife Refuge - Visitor Center/North McCoy Trail?
Notable species at Tijuana Slough National Wildlife Refuge - Visitor Center/North McCoy Trail include Anna's Hummingbird, American Coot, Snowy Egret, Song Sparrow, Yellow-rumped Warbler. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Tijuana Slough National Wildlife Refuge - Visitor Center/North McCoy Trail?
Birding at Tijuana Slough National Wildlife Refuge - Visitor Center/North McCoy Trail is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Tijuana Slough National Wildlife Refuge - Visitor Center/North McCoy Trail?
Tijuana Slough National Wildlife Refuge - Visitor Center/North McCoy Trail offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.