Cabrillo National Monument

California · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Cabrillo National Monument is a productive birding destination in California, with 290 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Hudsonian Whimbrel, Spotted Sandpiper, and Western Gull 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

Red-throated Pipit

Anthus cervinus

3/6/2026South Clairemont Community Park1 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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Osprey

13/6/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

13/6/2026

California Towhee

23/6/2026

Spotted Towhee

13/6/2026

Hudsonian Whimbrel

13/3/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

13/3/2026

Western Gull

353/3/2026

Pelagic Cormorant

43/3/2026

Snowy Egret

13/3/2026

Brown Pelican

183/3/2026

Common Raven

83/3/2026

Northern Mockingbird

13/3/2026

House Finch

43/3/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

33/3/2026

Song Sparrow

23/3/2026

California Thrasher

13/2/2026

Savannah Sparrow

13/2/2026

Black Oystercatcher

23/2/2026

Wandering Tattler

13/2/2026

Black Turnstone

103/2/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Start birding at dawn when desert birds are most active before the heat.

  2. 2

    Check around water sources, which concentrate desert species.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Cabrillo National Monument for birding?
The best months to visit Cabrillo National Monument for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Cabrillo National Monument?
Notable species at Cabrillo National Monument include Hudsonian Whimbrel, Spotted Sandpiper, Western Gull, Pelagic Cormorant, Snowy Egret. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at Cabrillo National Monument?
Birding at Cabrillo National Monument is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Cabrillo National Monument?
Cabrillo National Monument offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.