MLK Jr. Regional Shoreline - Arrowhead Marsh

California · Southwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open daily, 5:00 AM - 10:00 PM

About This Location

MLK Jr. Regional Shoreline - Arrowhead Marsh is a productive birding destination in California, with 240 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Cinnamon Teal, and Northern Shoveler 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

Black-throated Gray Warbler

Setophaga nigrescens

3/6/2026Golden Gate Park--Elk Glen Lake1 observed

Blackburnian Warbler

Setophaga fusca

3/6/2026Sunset Blvd. at Quintara St. intersection and vicinity1 observed

Barrow's Goldeneye

Bucephala islandica

3/6/2026Coyote Point County Park1 observed

Williamson's Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus thyroideus

3/6/2026University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley US-CA (37.8675,-122.2612)1 observed

Black-and-white Warbler

Mniotilta varia

3/6/2026Golden Gate Park--McLaren Lodge/Horseshoe Pits/Northeast Entrance1 observed

Wilson's Warbler

Cardellina pusilla

3/6/2026Golden Gate Park--Arboretum (San Francisco Botanical Garden)1 observed

Red Crossbill

Loxia curvirostra

3/6/2026Redwood Regional Park--Canyon Meadow area4 observed

White-crowned Sparrow (pugetensis)

Zonotrichia leucophrys

3/6/2026Corona Heights Park8 observed

Black Skimmer

Rynchops niger

3/5/2026South Richmond Marshes (Stege, Hoffman) and Meeker Slough17 observed

Tufted Duck

Aythya fuligula

3/5/2026Oracle Pond (pond area only) along Marine Pkwy1 observed

Tropical Kingbird

Tyrannus melancholicus

3/5/2026Amador Street - fennel/willow patch and adjoining fields 37.74489, -122.379561 observed

Eurasian Wigeon

Mareca penelope

3/5/2026Belmont Slough--slough along Oracle Pkwy and area behind Oracle1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

223/5/2026

Blue-winged Teal

103/5/2026

Northern Shoveler

43/5/2026

American Wigeon

1203/5/2026

Mallard

163/5/2026

Green-winged Teal

23/5/2026

Lesser Scaup

753/5/2026

Bufflehead

103/5/2026

Common Goldeneye

13/5/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

23/5/2026

American Coot

43/5/2026

Black-necked Stilt

273/5/2026

American Avocet

13/5/2026

Short-billed Dowitcher

503/5/2026

Willet

93/5/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

13/5/2026

Eared Grebe

23/5/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

103/5/2026

Brown Pelican

13/5/2026

Burrowing Owl

13/5/2026

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 MLK Jr. Regional Shoreline - Arrowhead Marsh for birding?
The best months to visit MLK Jr. Regional Shoreline - Arrowhead Marsh for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at MLK Jr. Regional Shoreline - Arrowhead Marsh?
Notable species at MLK Jr. Regional Shoreline - Arrowhead Marsh include Canada Goose, Cinnamon Teal, Northern Shoveler, Mallard, Greater Scaup, American Crow, Western Bluebird, Cedar Waxwing, Rock Pigeon, Anna's Hummingbird, Western Gull, Turkey Vulture. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at MLK Jr. Regional Shoreline - Arrowhead Marsh?
Birding at MLK Jr. Regional Shoreline - Arrowhead Marsh is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at MLK Jr. Regional Shoreline - Arrowhead Marsh?
There is no entrance fee at MLK Jr. Regional Shoreline - Arrowhead Marsh. Hours: Open daily, 5:00 AM - 10:00 PM.
What amenities are available at MLK Jr. Regional Shoreline - Arrowhead Marsh?
MLK Jr. Regional Shoreline - Arrowhead Marsh offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.