Morro Strand State Beach

California · Southwest

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Morro Strand State Beach is a productive birding destination in California, with 233 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Mallard, Eurasian Collared-Dove, and Anna's Hummingbird 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

Harris's Sparrow

Zonotrichia querula

3/5/2026Morro Bay yard1 observed

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

3/5/20261900 Pecho Rd.1 observed

Western Warbling Vireo

Vireo swainsoni

3/5/2026Blue Heron Drive (Restricted access)1 observed

Rufous Hummingbird

Selasphorus rufus

3/4/2026Meadow Park--San Luis Obispo1 observed

Costa's Hummingbird

Calypte costae

3/4/2026Poly Canyon1 observed

Chipping Sparrow

Spizella passerina

3/4/2026Santa Margarita Creek1 observed

King Eider

Somateria spectabilis

3/3/2026Morro Bay Estuary (use more specific location(s) when possible)1 observed

Fox Sparrow (Sooty x Red)

Passerella iliaca

3/3/2026Damon-Garcia Sports Field1 observed

Hooded Oriole

Icterus cucullatus

3/2/2026Corner of Shiloh Pl. and Bethel Road, Templeton1 observed

MacGillivray's Warbler

Geothlypis tolmiei

3/1/2026Bishop St1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

53/1/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

13/1/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

23/1/2026

Long-billed Curlew

1473/1/2026

Marbled Godwit

93/1/2026

Short-billed Dowitcher

33/1/2026

Willet

33/1/2026

Heermann's Gull

53/1/2026

Short-billed Gull

13/1/2026

Ring-billed Gull

23/1/2026

Western Gull

63/1/2026

California Gull

2343/1/2026

Royal Tern

43/1/2026

Cooper's Hawk

13/1/2026

Black Phoebe

23/1/2026

American Crow

53/1/2026

Bushtit

63/1/2026

Wrentit

13/1/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

23/1/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

13/1/2026

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 Morro Strand State Beach for birding?
The best months to visit Morro Strand State Beach for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Morro Strand State Beach?
Notable species at Morro Strand State Beach include Mallard, Eurasian Collared-Dove, Anna's Hummingbird, Long-billed Curlew, Marbled Godwit. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Morro Strand State Beach?
Birding at Morro Strand State Beach is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Morro Strand State Beach?
Morro Strand State Beach offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.