Coastal birding habitat

Wilder Ranch State Park - Four Mile Beach

California · Southwest

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Wilder Ranch State Park - Four Mile Beach is a productive birding destination in California, with 251 species recorded on eBird. This coastal 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

Swainson's Thrush

Catharus ustulatus

4/16/2026Henry Cowell Redwoods SP--Zayante Trail1 observed

Palm Warbler (Western)

Setophaga palmarum

4/16/2026Neary Lagoon1 observed

Black Turnstone

Arenaria melanocephala

4/16/2026California, US (36.778, -121.985)1 observed

Elegant Tern

Thalasseus elegans

4/16/2026California, US (36.778, -121.985)3 observed

Hudsonian Whimbrel

Numenius hudsonicus

4/16/2026California, US (36.759, -121.964)5 observed

Palm Warbler

Setophaga palmarum

4/16/2026Neary Lagoon1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

44/5/2026

Mallard

34/5/2026

Ruddy Duck

24/5/2026

California Quail

74/5/2026

American Coot

44/5/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

14/5/2026

Brandt's Cormorant

104/5/2026

Pelagic Cormorant

14/5/2026

Brown Pelican

1124/5/2026

Osprey

14/5/2026

Common Raven

14/5/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

14/5/2026

Savannah Sparrow

14/5/2026

Song Sparrow

54/5/2026

Spotted Towhee

14/5/2026

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 Wilder Ranch State Park - Four Mile Beach for birding?
The best months to visit Wilder Ranch State Park - Four Mile Beach for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Wilder Ranch State Park - Four Mile Beach?
Notable species at Wilder Ranch State Park - Four Mile Beach include Canada Goose, Mallard, Surf Scoter, Bufflehead, Red-breasted Merganser. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Wilder Ranch State Park - Four Mile Beach?
Birding at Wilder Ranch State Park - Four Mile Beach is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Wilder Ranch State Park - Four Mile Beach?
Wilder Ranch State Park - Four Mile Beach offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.