Madrona Marsh

California · Southwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open Tue-Sun, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

About This Location

Madrona Marsh is a productive birding destination in California, with 276 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Cinnamon Teal, and American Wigeon 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

Green-tailed Towhee

Pipilo chlorurus

3/6/2026West San Gabriel River Parkway Nature Trail1 observed

Baltimore Oriole

Icterus galbula

3/6/2026Doris Japanese Garden1 observed

Hooded Oriole

Icterus cucullatus

3/6/2026LMU Jesuit Community Chapel, Los Angeles US-CA (33.9717,-118.4183)1 observed

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus varius

3/6/2026Kenneth Hahn SRA1 observed

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Larus fuscus

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

Pine Warbler

Setophaga pinus

3/6/2026Belvedere Park Lake1 observed

Palm Warbler

Setophaga palmarum

3/6/2026Belvedere Park Lake1 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

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

Black-and-white Warbler

Mniotilta varia

3/5/2026Athens Park1 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

Plumbeous Vireo

Vireo plumbeus

3/5/2026La Palma Central Park1 observed

Red-throated Loon

Gavia stellata

3/4/2026Earvin Magic Johnson Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

83/6/2026

Cinnamon Teal

33/6/2026

Northern Shoveler

223/6/2026

Gadwall

23/6/2026

Mallard

93/6/2026

Green-winged Teal

23/6/2026

Mourning Dove

23/6/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

13/6/2026

Allen's Hummingbird

23/6/2026

American Coot

63/6/2026

Western Gull

43/6/2026

Snowy Egret

13/6/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

13/6/2026

American Kestrel

13/6/2026

Black Phoebe

73/6/2026

Cassin's Kingbird

13/6/2026

American Crow

193/6/2026

Bushtit

63/6/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

13/6/2026

Northern House Wren

23/6/2026

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 Madrona Marsh for birding?
The best months to visit Madrona Marsh for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Madrona Marsh?
Notable species at Madrona Marsh include Canada Goose, Cinnamon Teal, American Wigeon, Mallard, Mourning Dove, Western Gull, Brown Pelican, Rock Pigeon, Black Phoebe, American Crow, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, House Sparrow. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Madrona Marsh?
Birding at Madrona Marsh is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Madrona Marsh?
There is no entrance fee at Madrona Marsh. Hours: Open Tue-Sun, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM.
What amenities are available at Madrona Marsh?
Madrona Marsh offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.