Famosa Slough

California · Southwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open daily, dawn to dusk

About This Location

Famosa Slough is a productive birding destination in California, with 261 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts American Wigeon, Mallard, and Bufflehead 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

Red-throated Pipit

Anthus cervinus

3/6/2026Clairemont High School Baseball Field 4150 Ute Dr, San Diego US-CA 32.80807, -117.203011 observed

American Bittern

Botaurus lentiginosus

3/6/2026San Elijo Lagoon--west1 observed

Lawrence's Goldfinch

Spinus lawrencei

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

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

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

Common Ground Dove

Columbina passerina

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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

American Coot

13/6/2026

Willet

13/6/2026

Western Gull

13/6/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

13/6/2026

Snowy Egret

53/6/2026

Great Egret

13/6/2026

Brown Pelican

33/6/2026

Black Phoebe

13/6/2026

House Finch

13/6/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

13/6/2026

Song Sparrow

13/6/2026

California Towhee

13/6/2026

Common Yellowthroat

13/6/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

13/6/2026

American Wigeon

83/6/2026

Mallard

53/6/2026

Bufflehead

13/6/2026

Allen's Hummingbird

13/6/2026

American Avocet

13/6/2026

Killdeer

13/6/2026

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

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

  5. 5

    Bring quality optics — a good pair of binoculars (8x42 or 10x42) makes all the difference in species identification.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Famosa Slough for birding?
The best months to visit Famosa Slough for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Famosa Slough?
Notable species at Famosa Slough include American Wigeon, Mallard, Bufflehead, Allen's Hummingbird, American Coot, Little Blue Heron, Rock Pigeon, Mourning Dove, Yellow-crowned Night Heron, Black-crowned Night Heron, Osprey, Black Phoebe. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Famosa Slough?
Birding at Famosa Slough is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Famosa Slough?
There is no entrance fee at Famosa Slough. Hours: Open daily, dawn to dusk.
What amenities are available at Famosa Slough?
Famosa Slough offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.