Point La Jolla - seawatch

California · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open daily

About This Location

Point La Jolla - seawatch is a productive birding destination in California, with 259 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Rock Pigeon, Allen's Hummingbird, and Black Oystercatcher 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

Townsend's x Hermit Warbler (hybrid)

Setophaga townsendi x occidentalis

3/5/2026Spreckels Park & Public Library1 observed

Red-throated Pipit

Anthus cervinus

3/5/2026South Clairemont Community Park1 observed

Western Kingbird

Tyrannus verticalis

3/5/2026Harry Griffen Regional 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

Plumbeous Vireo

Vireo plumbeus

3/5/2026Harry Griffen Regional Park1 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

Black Oystercatcher

23/5/2026

Long-billed Curlew

13/5/2026

Heermann's Gull

3/5/2026

Western Gull

3/5/2026

Royal Tern

3/5/2026

Brandt's Cormorant

3/5/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

3/5/2026

Brown Pelican

3/5/2026

Song Sparrow

23/5/2026

Allen's Hummingbird

13/5/2026

Black Turnstone

23/5/2026

Pelagic Cormorant

13/5/2026

Snowy Egret

33/5/2026

Osprey

33/5/2026

Black Phoebe

13/5/2026

American Crow

33/5/2026

European Starling

23/5/2026

House Sparrow

53/5/2026

House Finch

13/5/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

23/5/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Start birding at dawn when desert birds are most active before the heat.

  2. 2

    Check around water sources, which concentrate desert species.

  3. 3

    Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.

  4. 4

    Check tide tables before visiting — low tide exposes mudflats that attract the most shorebirds.

  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 Point La Jolla - seawatch for birding?
The best months to visit Point La Jolla - seawatch for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Point La Jolla - seawatch?
Notable species at Point La Jolla - seawatch include Rock Pigeon, Allen's Hummingbird, Black Oystercatcher, Hudsonian Whimbrel, Spotted Sandpiper, Little Blue Heron, Northern Mockingbird, Mourning Dove, Anna's Hummingbird, Black Phoebe, American Crow, Bushtit. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at Point La Jolla - seawatch?
Birding at Point La Jolla - seawatch is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Point La Jolla - seawatch?
There is no entrance fee at Point La Jolla - seawatch. Hours: Open daily.
What amenities are available at Point La Jolla - seawatch?
Point La Jolla - seawatch offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.