Charleston Slough/Coast Casey Forebay

California · Southwest

Habitat
WetlandCoastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open daily, dawn to dusk

About This Location

Charleston Slough/Coast Casey Forebay is a productive birding destination in California, with 247 species recorded on eBird. This wetland and coastal habitat attracts Snow Goose, Canada Goose, and Northern Shoveler 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

Black Oystercatcher

Haematopus bachmani

3/6/2026Charleston Slough/Coast Casey Forebay2 observed

Northern Yellow Warbler

Setophaga aestiva

3/6/2026Harborview Park and Freshwater Marsh - CBA 100371 observed

Pacific Golden-Plover

Pluvialis fulva

3/6/2026Don Edwards NWR--Env. Ed. Ctr. (EEC) and nearby upland areas1 observed

Lawrence's Goldfinch

Spinus lawrencei

3/6/2026Ed Levin CP--Spring Valley area4 observed

Barrow's Goldeneye

Bucephala islandica

3/6/2026Coyote Point County Park1 observed

Caspian Tern

Hydroprogne caspia

3/6/2026Coyote Hills Regional Park1 observed

Green-tailed Towhee

Pipilo chlorurus

3/6/2026Cowell Ranch Beach and Coastal Trail1 observed

Cassin's Kingbird

Tyrannus vociferans

3/6/2026Pacific Commons Linear Park2 observed

Chipping Sparrow

Spizella passerina

3/5/2026Lone Hill Park3 observed

Ferruginous Hawk

Buteo regalis

3/5/2026Big Basin SP--China Grade (north of Highway 236)1 observed

Tufted Duck

Aythya fuligula

3/5/2026Oracle Pond (pond area only) along Marine Pkwy1 observed

Eurasian Wigeon

Mareca penelope

3/5/2026Belmont Slough--slough along Oracle Pkwy and area behind Oracle1 observed

Sanderling

Calidris alba

3/5/2026Salt Pond A121 observed

Harlequin Duck

Histrionicus histrionicus

3/5/20261315 Coyote Point Drive, San Mateo, California, US (37.592, -122.315)1 observed

Blue-winged Teal x Northern Shoveler (hybrid)

Spatula discors x clypeata

3/5/2026Palo Alto Baylands1 observed

Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle x Audubon's)

Setophaga coronata

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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

23/6/2026

Northern Shoveler

483/6/2026

Gadwall

23/6/2026

Mallard

33/6/2026

Green-winged Teal

23/6/2026

Canvasback

33/6/2026

Ruddy Duck

213/6/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

13/6/2026

Common Gallinule

13/6/2026

American Coot

153/6/2026

Black-necked Stilt

253/6/2026

American Avocet

23/6/2026

Killdeer

33/6/2026

Long-billed Dowitcher

83/6/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

43/6/2026

Least Sandpiper

83/6/2026

Bonaparte's Gull

453/6/2026

California Gull

253/6/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

23/6/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

63/6/2026

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.

  4. 4

    Check tide tables before visiting — low tide exposes mudflats that attract the most shorebirds.

  5. 5

    Bring insect repellent — wetland areas can have significant mosquito activity, especially in warmer months.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Charleston Slough/Coast Casey Forebay for birding?
The best months to visit Charleston Slough/Coast Casey Forebay for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Charleston Slough/Coast Casey Forebay?
Notable species at Charleston Slough/Coast Casey Forebay include Snow Goose, Canada Goose, Northern Shoveler, American Wigeon, Canvasback, California Gull, Black Phoebe, American Crow, Rock Pigeon, Western Bluebird, House Finch, Dark-eyed Junco. The area supports wetland, coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Charleston Slough/Coast Casey Forebay?
Birding at Charleston Slough/Coast Casey Forebay is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Charleston Slough/Coast Casey Forebay?
There is no entrance fee at Charleston Slough/Coast Casey Forebay. Hours: Open daily, dawn to dusk.
What amenities are available at Charleston Slough/Coast Casey Forebay?
Charleston Slough/Coast Casey Forebay offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.