Wetland birding habitat

Zuma Beach and Lagoon

California · Southwest

Habitat
WetlandCoastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Zuma Beach and Lagoon is a productive birding destination in California, with 254 species recorded on eBird. This wetland and coastal habitat attracts Marbled Godwit, Western Gull, and Brown Pelican 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

Lucy's Warbler

Leiothlypis luciae

4/15/2026Hill Canyon1 observed

White-winged Scoter

Melanitta deglandi

4/12/2026Leo Carrillo SP--seawatch1 observed

Lazuli Bunting

Passerina amoena

4/10/2026Topanga SP--Los Liones Trail4 observed

Swainson's Hawk

Buteo swainsoni

4/10/2026Underwood1 observed

Red-crowned Amazon

Amazona viridigenalis

4/10/2026Santa Monica Mnts NRA Rancho Sierra Vista/ Satwiwa, Newbury Park US-CA 34.15307, -118.9655710 observed

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

4/10/2026Lake Sherwood1 observed

Black-throated Sparrow

Amphispiza bilineata

4/10/2026Hill Canyon2 observed

Western Wood-Pewee

Contopus sordidulus

4/6/2026Hill Canyon1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Killdeer

14/17/2026

Hudsonian Whimbrel

34/17/2026

Least Sandpiper

44/17/2026

Bonaparte's Gull

14/17/2026

Heermann's Gull

84/17/2026

Western Gull

1504/17/2026

Royal Tern

354/17/2026

American Crow

34/17/2026

Elegant Tern

74/17/2026

Mallard

54/11/2026

American Coot

14/11/2026

Semipalmated Plover

14/11/2026

American Herring Gull

24/11/2026

California Gull

4/11/2026

Snowy Egret

14/11/2026

Brown Pelican

34/11/2026

Turkey Vulture

14/11/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

14/11/2026

Black Phoebe

14/11/2026

California Scrub-Jay

14/11/2026

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 Zuma Beach and Lagoon for birding?
The best months to visit Zuma Beach and Lagoon for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Zuma Beach and Lagoon?
Notable species at Zuma Beach and Lagoon include Marbled Godwit, Western Gull, Brown Pelican, Surf Scoter, Rock Pigeon. The area supports wetland, coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Zuma Beach and Lagoon?
Birding at Zuma Beach and Lagoon is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Zuma Beach and Lagoon?
Zuma Beach and Lagoon offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.