Golden Shore Marine Reserve

California · Southwest

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Golden Shore Marine Reserve is a productive birding destination in California, with 204 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Mallard, Lesser Scaup, and Surf Scoter 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

Northern Waterthrush

Parkesia noveboracensis

3/6/2026Bartlett Park, Huntington Beach1 observed

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Larus fuscus

3/6/2026Los Angeles River--Soto St.1 observed

Tricolored Heron

Egretta tricolor

3/6/2026Bolsa Chica--walkbridge/inner bay1 observed

Black-and-white Warbler

Mniotilta varia

3/5/2026Athens Park1 observed

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

3/5/2026Haster Basin Recreation Area, Garden Grove1 observed

Little Blue Heron

Egretta caerulea

3/5/2026Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve1 observed

Tropical Kingbird

Tyrannus melancholicus

3/5/2026San Gabriel Coastal Basin Spreading Grounds1 observed

Western Kingbird

Tyrannus verticalis

3/5/2026recreation park golf course 181 observed

Hudsonian Whimbrel

Numenius hudsonicus

3/5/2026Madrona Marsh8 observed

Hooded Oriole

Icterus cucullatus

3/5/2026Colorado Lagoon2 observed

Plumbeous Vireo

Vireo plumbeus

3/5/2026La Palma Central Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

23/5/2026

Lesser Scaup

73/5/2026

Surf Scoter

1953/5/2026

Bufflehead

23/5/2026

American Coot

43/5/2026

Western Gull

53/5/2026

Eared Grebe

83/5/2026

Western Grebe

223/5/2026

Pelagic Cormorant

13/5/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

103/5/2026

Great Blue Heron

13/5/2026

Brown Pelican

23/5/2026

Belted Kingfisher

13/5/2026

Black Phoebe

13/5/2026

American Crow

53/5/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

33/5/2026

Swinhoe's White-eye

23/5/2026

Northern Mockingbird

23/5/2026

House Finch

53/5/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

53/5/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.

  2. 2

    Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Golden Shore Marine Reserve for birding?
The best months to visit Golden Shore Marine Reserve for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Golden Shore Marine Reserve?
Notable species at Golden Shore Marine Reserve include Mallard, Lesser Scaup, Surf Scoter, Bufflehead, American Coot. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Golden Shore Marine Reserve?
Birding at Golden Shore Marine Reserve is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Golden Shore Marine Reserve?
Golden Shore Marine Reserve offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.