The Birding Hub
The Birding Hub

San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge - Sweetwater Marsh Unit / Living Coast Discovery Center (limited access)

California · Southwest

ModerateView on eBird
Habitat
WetlandCoastal
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge - Sweetwater Marsh Unit / Living Coast Discovery Center (limited access) is a productive birding destination in California, with 222 species recorded on eBird. This wetland and coastal habitat attracts Western Gull, Double-crested Cormorant, and Northern Mockingbird among many others. The unique desert and riparian habitats support specialty species alongside wintering and migrating birds.

Location

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Notable Species

Western GullDouble-crested CormorantNorthern MockingbirdSong SparrowLong-billed Curlew

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

White-winged Scoter

Melanitta deglandi

3/6/2026Vacation Isle1 observed

Red-throated Pipit

Anthus cervinus

3/6/2026South Clairemont Community Park1 observed

Nashville Warbler

Leiothlypis ruficapilla

3/6/2026Wing St. Canyon1 observed

Tennessee Warbler

Leiothlypis peregrina

3/6/2026Home 2909 Brant St1 observed

Black Scoter

Melanitta americana

3/6/2026Chula Vista Bayfront Park (J St.)2 observed

Lawrence's Goldfinch

Spinus lawrencei

3/6/2026Tijuana River Valley--Bird & Butterfly Garden (Myers Ranch)2 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

3/6/2026Tijuana River Valley--Bird & Butterfly Garden (Myers Ranch)1 observed

Common Ground Dove

Columbina passerina

3/6/2026Tijuana River Valley--Bird & Butterfly Garden (Myers Ranch)1 observed

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

3/6/2026Chollas Reservoir (CA Atlas - National City NE)2 observed

Black-and-white Warbler

Mniotilta varia

3/6/2026Tijuana River Valley--Bird & Butterfly Garden (Myers Ranch)1 observed

Hepatic Tanager

Piranga flava

3/6/2026Wing St. Canyon1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Western Gull

23/5/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

13/5/2026

Northern Mockingbird

23/5/2026

Song Sparrow

23/5/2026

Long-billed Curlew

13/5/2026

Snowy Egret

13/5/2026

Great Egret

13/5/2026

Brown Pelican

13/5/2026

Mourning Dove

13/2/2026

Redhead

23/2/2026

Surf Scoter

63/2/2026

Rock Pigeon

53/2/2026

California Gull

13/2/2026

Osprey

13/2/2026

American Crow

33/2/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

13/2/2026

Bushtit

23/2/2026

Northern House Wren

13/2/2026

House Finch

23/2/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

53/2/2026

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.

Amenities

Parking
Restrooms
Trails
Auto Tour Route

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Birding Guides

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

10 min read

Understanding Bird Migration: When, Where, and Why Birds Migrate

12 min read

Spring Birding in New York City: The Complete Urban Migration Guide

12 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge - Sweetwater Marsh Unit / Living Coast Discovery Center (limited access) for birding?▼
The best months to visit San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge - Sweetwater Marsh Unit / Living Coast Discovery Center (limited access) for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge - Sweetwater Marsh Unit / Living Coast Discovery Center (limited access)?▼
Notable species at San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge - Sweetwater Marsh Unit / Living Coast Discovery Center (limited access) include Western Gull, Double-crested Cormorant, Northern Mockingbird, Song Sparrow, Long-billed Curlew. The area supports wetland, coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge - Sweetwater Marsh Unit / Living Coast Discovery Center (limited access)?▼
Birding at San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge - Sweetwater Marsh Unit / Living Coast Discovery Center (limited access) is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge - Sweetwater Marsh Unit / Living Coast Discovery Center (limited access)?▼
San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge - Sweetwater Marsh Unit / Living Coast Discovery Center (limited access) offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.