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

Purple Martin

Progne subis

7/21/2026Año Nuevo SP--Año Nuevo Creek mouth and Cove Beach (Fossil Beach) only1 observed

Red-winged Blackbird (Red-winged)

Agelaius phoeniceus

7/21/2026Younger Ranch Central Grasslands- Private Access1 observed

Black Swift

Cypseloides niger

7/20/2026Ano Nuevo SP--Visitors Center, Elephant Seals and trails3 observed

Rufous Hummingbird

Selasphorus rufus

7/20/2026UC Santa Cruz--Arboretum4 observed

Lincoln's Sparrow

Melospiza lincolnii

7/20/2026Schwan Lake1 observed

Cackling Goose

Branta hutchinsii

7/18/2026Waddell SB1 observed

Bank Swallow

Riparia riparia

7/18/2026Ano Nuevo SP--Visitors Center, Elephant Seals and trails2 observed

Ring-necked Duck

Aythya collaris

7/17/2026Wilder Ranch SP--Four Mile Beach1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

237/17/2026

Ring-necked Duck

17/17/2026

Ruddy Duck

147/17/2026

American Coot

127/17/2026

Heermann's Gull

457/17/2026

Western Gull

2507/17/2026

California Gull

17/17/2026

Caspian Tern

67/17/2026

Brandt's Cormorant

147/17/2026

Pelagic Cormorant

27/17/2026

Snowy Egret

27/17/2026

Great Egret

17/17/2026

Great Blue Heron

17/17/2026

Brown Pelican

147/17/2026

Turkey Vulture

17/17/2026

Northern Harrier

17/17/2026

Black Phoebe

67/17/2026

Common Raven

27/17/2026

Barn Swallow

37/17/2026

Cliff Swallow

17/17/2026

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.