Wilder Ranch State Park - Four Mile Beach

California · Southwest

EasyView on eBird Directions

Habitat

Coastal

Best Seasons

Fall Winter Spring

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

Canada Goose Mallard Surf Scoter Bufflehead Red-breasted Merganser

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Lark Sparrow

Chondestes grammacus

5/28/2026Loma Prieta--Lower Saddle (SCZ Co.)1 observed

Northern Shoveler

Spatula clypeata

5/27/2026Terrace Pt. and Coastal Science Campus1 observed

Black Swift

Cypseloides niger

5/27/2026Ano Nuevo SP--Visitors Center, Elephant Seals and trails5 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

5/27/2026Lyle Ct. Aptos1 observed

Indigo Bunting

Passerina cyanea

5/26/2026stakeout Indigo Bunting, Swanton Road (2026)1 observed

Bank Swallow

Riparia riparia

5/25/2026Ano Nuevo SP--Visitors Center, Elephant Seals and trails4 observed

Purple Martin

Progne subis

5/25/2026Ano Nuevo SP--Visitors Center, Elephant Seals and trails3 observed

Black Swift (borealis)

Cypseloides niger

5/25/2026Ano Nuevo SP--Visitors Center, Elephant Seals and trails4 observed

Black-chinned Sparrow

Spizella atrogularis

5/25/2026Loma Prieta area (SCL Co.)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Turkey Vulture

15/27/2026

Barn Swallow

35/27/2026

Wrentit

25/27/2026

Bewick's Wren

35/27/2026

Swainson's Thrush

45/27/2026

House Sparrow

65/27/2026

House Finch

75/27/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

95/27/2026

Song Sparrow

35/27/2026

California Towhee

15/27/2026

Spotted Towhee

25/27/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

25/27/2026

Orange-crowned Warbler

25/27/2026

Common Yellowthroat

65/27/2026

Wilson's Warbler

35/27/2026

Bald Eagle

15/15/2026

Birding Tips

1
Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.
2
Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.
3
Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.

Amenities

Parking

Restrooms

Trails

Visitor Center

More in California

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Point Reyes National Seashore

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Mono Lake

Ancient saline lake with millions of migratory birds and surreal tufa towers.

California Birding Guide

Complete guide to birding in California →

Birding Guides

Fall Bird Migration Guide

10 min read

Bird Identification: The Four Keys

11 min read

Beginner's Guide to Birdwatching

8 min read

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.