MacKerricher State Park - Glass Beach

California · Southwest

EasyView on eBird

Habitat

Coastal

Best Seasons

FallWinterSpring

Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

MacKerricher State Park - Glass Beach is a productive birding destination in California, with 203 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Black Oystercatcher, Wandering Tattler, and Black Turnstone among many others. The unique desert and riparian habitats support specialty species alongside wintering and migrating birds.

Location

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Notable Species

Black Oystercatcher Wandering Tattler Black Turnstone Western Gull Brandt's Cormorant

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Tennessee Warbler

Leiothlypis peregrina

3/4/2026Rose Memorial Cemetery/Pudding Cr Overlook1 observed

Bullock's Oriole

Icterus bullockii

3/2/2026Rose Memorial Cemetery/Pudding Cr Overlook1 observed

Ancient Murrelet

Synthliboramphus antiquus

3/1/2026Nearshore pelagic - (MEN Co.)1 observed

Scripps's Murrelet

Synthliboramphus scrippsi

3/1/2026Nearshore pelagic - (MEN Co.)1 observed

Short-tailed Shearwater

Ardenna tenuirostris

3/1/2026Leg 2: 39.45746, -123.867221 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Black Oystercatcher

22/26/2026

Wandering Tattler

12/26/2026

Black Turnstone

12/26/2026

Western Gull

302/26/2026

Brandt's Cormorant

102/26/2026

Pelagic Cormorant

102/26/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

42/26/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

12/26/2026

Rock Pigeon

102/21/2026

Short-billed Gull

102/21/2026

Red-throated Loon

12/21/2026

Common Loon

12/21/2026

Turkey Vulture

92/21/2026

Belted Kingfisher

12/21/2026

Common Raven

132/21/2026

Birding Tips

1
Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.
2
Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.
3
Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.

Amenities

Parking

Restrooms

Trails

Visitor Center

More in California

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Point Reyes National Seashore

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Mono Lake

Ancient saline lake with millions of migratory birds and surreal tufa towers.

Birding Guides

The Ultimate Guide to Fall Bird Migration: Hawks, Sparrows, and Confusing Plumages

10 min read

How to Identify Birds Like an Expert: The Four Keys to Field Identification

11 min read

The Ultimate Beginner's Guide to Birdwatching: Gear, Identification, and Etiquette

8 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit MacKerricher State Park - Glass Beach for birding?▼

The best months to visit MacKerricher State Park - Glass Beach for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.

What birds can I see at MacKerricher State Park - Glass Beach?▼

Notable species at MacKerricher State Park - Glass Beach include Black Oystercatcher, Wandering Tattler, Black Turnstone, Western Gull, Brandt's Cormorant. The area supports coastal habitats.

How difficult is birding at MacKerricher State Park - Glass Beach?▼

Birding at MacKerricher State Park - Glass Beach is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.

What amenities are available at MacKerricher State Park - Glass Beach?▼

MacKerricher State Park - Glass Beach offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.