Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve

California · Southwest

EasyOfficial Site View on eBird

Habitat

WetlandCoastalMarsh

Best Seasons

FallWinter

Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

August-March

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Dawn to dusk daily

About This Location

Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve in Huntington Beach is one of the most important coastal wetlands remaining in Southern California, with over 321 bird species recorded. This 1,449-acre reserve of restored tidal salt marsh, mudflats, and open water channels provides crucial habitat for resident and migratory waterbirds along the Pacific Flyway.

The 1.5-mile loop trail and elevated boardwalk offer superb eye-level views of nesting Elegant Terns and endangered California Least Terns on the nesting islands, while Clapper Rails and Belding's Savannah Sparrows skulk in the pickleweed marsh. During fall migration, the mudflats teem with thousands of shorebirds including Western Sandpipers, Marbled Godwits, and Long-billed Curlews.

Location

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Notable Species

Elegant Tern California Least Tern Ridgway's Rail Belding's Savannah Sparrow Long-billed Curlew Black Skimmer

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

3/4/2026Famosa Slough1 observed

Blackburnian Warbler

Setophaga fusca

3/4/2026Sunset Blvd. at Quintara St. intersection and vicinity1 observed

Blackburnian Warbler

Setophaga fusca

3/4/2026Sunset Blvd. at Quintara St. intersection and vicinity1 observed

Blackburnian Warbler

Setophaga fusca

3/4/2026Sunset Blvd. at Quintara St. intersection and vicinity1 observed

Red Crossbill

Loxia curvirostra

3/4/2026Lafayette Reservoir Dam-West1 observed

Tropical Kingbird

Tyrannus melancholicus

3/4/2026Lafayette Reservoir Dam-West1 observed

Western Kingbird

Tyrannus verticalis

3/4/2026Rangeland Rd.1 observed

Broad-billed Hummingbird

Cynanthus latirostris

3/4/2026stakeout Broad-billed Hummingbird, Salinas (2026)1 observed

Broad-billed Hummingbird

Cynanthus latirostris

3/4/2026stakeout Broad-billed Hummingbird, Salinas (2026)1 observed

Williamson's Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus thyroideus

3/4/2026Sapsucker Stakeout1 observed

Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle x Audubon's)

Setophaga coronata

3/4/2026Thousand Oaks Park (SCL Co.)1 observed

Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle x Audubon's)

Setophaga coronata

3/4/2026Thousand Oaks Park (SCL Co.)1 observed

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus varius

3/4/2026Ramona Community Park1 observed

Green-tailed Towhee

Pipilo chlorurus

3/4/2026Tijuana Slough NWR--South McCoy Trail area1 observed

Snow Goose

Anser caerulescens

3/4/2026Mission Bay--De Anza Cove & Point1 observed

Lewis's Woodpecker

Melanerpes lewis

3/4/20263011 Pine Hills Road, Julian, California, US (33.076, -116.618)1 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

3/4/2026Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, Malibu US-CA 34.09152, -118.809221 observed

Cassin's Kingbird

Tyrannus vociferans

3/4/2026Pacific Commons Linear Park1 observed

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

3/4/2026Pacheco Lane Pond (40.8668,-124.1143)1 observed

Palm Warbler

Setophaga palmarum

3/4/2026Belvedere Park Lake1 observed

Birding Tips

1
Walk the loop trail clockwise for the best morning light on the inner bay
2
Visit during low tide for maximum shorebird diversity on the exposed mudflats
3
The footbridge area is excellent for viewing nesting terns and skimmers in summer

Amenities

Parking

Restrooms

Trails

Interpretive Displays

Nearby Attractions

Huntington Beach Pier
Bolsa Chica State Beach

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Birding Guides

Bird Identification Tips: How to ID Birds Like a Pro

11 min read

The Beginner's Guide to Birding

8 min read

How to Start a Birding Life List

9 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve for birding?▼

The best months to visit Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve for birding are August-March. The best seasons are Fall and Winter.

What birds can I see at Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve?▼

Notable species at Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve include Elegant Tern, California Least Tern, Ridgway's Rail, Belding's Savannah Sparrow, Long-billed Curlew, Black Skimmer. The area supports wetland, coastal, marsh habitats.

How difficult is birding at Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve?▼

Birding at Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.

Is there an entrance fee at Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve?▼

There is no entrance fee at Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve. Hours: Dawn to dusk daily.

What amenities are available at Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve?▼

Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Interpretive Displays.