Los Penasquitos Lagoon - mouth & beach

California · Southwest

Habitat
WetlandCoastal
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Los Penasquitos Lagoon - mouth & beach is a productive birding destination in California, with 235 species recorded on eBird. This wetland and coastal habitat attracts Bonaparte's Gull, Willet, and Western Gull among many others. The unique desert and riparian habitats support specialty species alongside wintering and migrating birds.

Location

Loading map...

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

Townsend's x Hermit Warbler (hybrid)

Setophaga townsendi x occidentalis

3/5/2026Spreckels Park & Public Library1 observed

Purple Finch

Haemorhous purpureus

3/5/2026Oak Riparian Park4 observed

Oak Titmouse

Baeolophus inornatus

3/5/2026Oak Riparian Park2 observed

Red-throated Pipit

Anthus cervinus

3/5/2026South Clairemont Community Park1 observed

Rock Pigeon

Columba livia

3/5/2026San Diego River mudflats (including Robb Field & Quivira Way)6 observed

Western x Clark's Grebe (hybrid)

Aechmophorus occidentalis x clarkii

3/5/2026San Diego River mudflats (including Robb Field & Quivira Way)1 observed

Short-billed Gull

Larus brachyrhynchus

3/5/2026San Diego River mudflats (including Robb Field & Quivira Way)1 observed

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

3/5/2026Famosa Slough1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

3/5/2026Kate Sessions Neighborhood Park1 observed

Tennessee Warbler

Leiothlypis peregrina

3/5/2026Home 2909 Brant St1 observed

White-winged Scoter

Melanitta deglandi

3/5/2026Vacation Isle1 observed

Black-and-white Warbler

Mniotilta varia

3/5/2026San Elijo Lagoon--west1 observed

Lucy's Warbler

Leiothlypis luciae

3/5/2026SDSU Mission Valley River Park1 observed

Cackling Goose

Branta hutchinsii

3/5/2026Lake Murray--southeast side1 observed

Surf Scoter

Melanitta perspicillata

3/5/2026Lake Murray--southeast side1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Bonaparte's Gull

12/27/2026

Willet

22/27/2026

Western Gull

12/27/2026

California Gull

32/27/2026

Western Grebe

152/27/2026

California Thrasher

12/27/2026

California Towhee

22/27/2026

Hudsonian Whimbrel

12/25/2026

Brown Pelican

32/25/2026

Common Raven

12/25/2026

Killdeer

12/24/2026

American Kestrel

12/24/2026

American Crow

12/24/2026

House Finch

12/24/2026

Mourning Dove

12/22/2026

Long-billed Curlew

22/22/2026

Ring-billed Gull

52/22/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

12/22/2026

Brandt's Cormorant

12/22/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

12/22/2026

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Los Penasquitos Lagoon - mouth & beach for birding?
The best months to visit Los Penasquitos Lagoon - mouth & beach for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Los Penasquitos Lagoon - mouth & beach?
Notable species at Los Penasquitos Lagoon - mouth & beach include Bonaparte's Gull, Willet, Western Gull, California Gull, Western Grebe. The area supports wetland, coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Los Penasquitos Lagoon - mouth & beach?
Birding at Los Penasquitos Lagoon - mouth & beach is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Los Penasquitos Lagoon - mouth & beach?
Los Penasquitos Lagoon - mouth & beach offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.