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

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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 Swift

Cypseloides niger

5/29/2026Balboa Park--Grape Street Dog Park1 observed

Common Ground Dove

Columbina passerina

5/29/2026Tijuana River Valley--Bird & Butterfly Garden (Myers Ranch)2 observed

Lawrence's Goldfinch

Spinus lawrencei

5/29/2026Tijuana River Valley--Bird & Butterfly Garden (Myers Ranch)1 observed

Common Murre

Uria aalge

5/28/2026Auto selected 32.71064, -117.310571 observed

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

5/28/2026northeast edge Sweetwater Res.2 observed

White-crowned Sparrow

Zonotrichia leucophrys

5/28/2026Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery (no birding 8a-5p)1 observed

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

5/27/2026Point Loma Nazarene University1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

5/27/2026Point Loma residential--upper1 observed

Tricolored Blackbird

Agelaius tricolor

5/26/2026Windingwalk Park1 observed

Purple Martin

Progne subis

5/26/2026Bayshore Bikeway--10th Street (Pond 23)1 observed

Indigo Bunting

Passerina cyanea

5/26/2026Point Loma1 observed

Hooded Warbler

Setophaga citrina

5/25/2026Point Loma residential--upper1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

45/29/2026

Ridgway's Rail

65/29/2026

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

75/29/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

25/29/2026

Snowy Egret

175/29/2026

Great Blue Heron

25/29/2026

Osprey

25/29/2026

Cooper's Hawk

15/29/2026

Northern Harrier

25/29/2026

Black Phoebe

155/29/2026

Say's Phoebe

75/29/2026

American Crow

125/29/2026

Common Raven

55/29/2026

Barn Swallow

245/29/2026

Cliff Swallow

75/29/2026

Savannah Sparrow

235/29/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

125/29/2026

Common Yellowthroat

195/29/2026

Mallard

35/27/2026

Surf Scoter

15/27/2026

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.