Border Field State Park & Goat Canyon

California · Southwest

Habitat
CanyonGrassland
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Border Field State Park & Goat Canyon is a productive birding destination in California, with 257 species recorded on eBird. This canyon and grassland habitat attracts White-throated Swift, Anna's Hummingbird, and Allen's Hummingbird 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

White-winged Scoter

Melanitta deglandi

3/6/2026Vacation Isle1 observed

Nashville Warbler

Leiothlypis ruficapilla

3/6/2026Wing St. Canyon1 observed

Tennessee Warbler

Leiothlypis peregrina

3/6/2026Home 2909 Brant St1 observed

Black Scoter

Melanitta americana

3/6/2026Chula Vista Bayfront Park (J St.)2 observed

Lawrence's Goldfinch

Spinus lawrencei

3/6/2026Tijuana River Valley--Bird & Butterfly Garden (Myers Ranch)2 observed

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

3/6/2026Chollas Reservoir (CA Atlas - National City NE)2 observed

Black-and-white Warbler

Mniotilta varia

3/6/2026Tijuana River Valley--Bird & Butterfly Garden (Myers Ranch)1 observed

Hepatic Tanager

Piranga flava

3/6/2026Wing St. Canyon1 observed

American Redstart

Setophaga ruticilla

3/6/2026Seaport Village area1 observed

Bell's Vireo

Vireo bellii

3/6/2026Tijuana River Valley--Bird & Butterfly Garden (Myers Ranch)1 observed

Plumbeous Vireo

Vireo plumbeus

3/6/2026Tijuana River Valley--Bird & Butterfly Garden (Myers Ranch)1 observed

Baltimore Oriole

Icterus galbula

3/6/2026Larsen Field1 observed

Townsend's x Hermit Warbler (hybrid)

Setophaga townsendi x occidentalis

3/5/2026Spreckels Park & Public Library1 observed

Western Kingbird

Tyrannus verticalis

3/5/2026Harry Griffen Regional Park1 observed

Short-eared Owl

Asio flammeus

3/5/2026San Diego Bay NWR--SoCal Saltworks (restricted access)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

White-throated Swift

13/1/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

13/1/2026

Allen's Hummingbird

23/1/2026

White-tailed Kite

23/1/2026

Northern Harrier

13/1/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

13/1/2026

Black Phoebe

13/1/2026

Say's Phoebe

3/1/2026

Tree Swallow

3/1/2026

Wrentit

3/1/2026

Northern House Wren

3/1/2026

Bewick's Wren

13/1/2026

California Thrasher

13/1/2026

Northern Mockingbird

3/1/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

23/1/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

13/1/2026

Song Sparrow

3/1/2026

California Towhee

3/1/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

13/1/2026

Orange-crowned Warbler

23/1/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Listen for echoing calls of Canyon Wren and other canyon specialties.

  2. 2

    Check rocky ledges and cliff faces for nesting raptors.

  3. 3

    Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Border Field State Park & Goat Canyon for birding?
The best months to visit Border Field State Park & Goat Canyon for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Border Field State Park & Goat Canyon?
Notable species at Border Field State Park & Goat Canyon include White-throated Swift, Anna's Hummingbird, Allen's Hummingbird, White-tailed Kite, Northern Harrier. The area supports canyon, grassland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Border Field State Park & Goat Canyon?
Birding at Border Field State Park & Goat Canyon is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Border Field State Park & Goat Canyon?
Border Field State Park & Goat Canyon offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.