San Elijo Lagoon - west
California · Southwest
Moderate
October-May
Free
Open daily, sunrise to sunset
About This Location
San Elijo Lagoon - west is a productive birding destination in California, with 291 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Blue-winged Teal, and Cinnamon Teal 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
White-winged Scoter
Melanitta deglandi
Red-throated Pipit
Anthus cervinus
Nashville Warbler
Leiothlypis ruficapilla
American Bittern
Botaurus lentiginosus
Hepatic Tanager
Piranga flava
Northern Parula
Setophaga americana
Zone-tailed Hawk
Buteo albonotatus
Purple Finch
Haemorhous purpureus
Oak Titmouse
Baeolophus inornatus
Rock Pigeon
Columba livia
Western x Clark's Grebe (hybrid)
Aechmophorus occidentalis x clarkii
Short-billed Gull
Larus brachyrhynchus
Neotropic Cormorant
Nannopterum brasilianum
Recent Observations
Species reported at this location in the last 14 days
Cinnamon Teal
Lesser Scaup
Bufflehead
American Coot
Canada Goose
Blue-winged Teal
Northern Shoveler
Gadwall
American Wigeon
Mallard
Green-winged Teal
Ruddy Duck
Anna's Hummingbird
Allen's Hummingbird
American Avocet
Killdeer
Hudsonian Whimbrel
Spotted Sandpiper
Sanderling
Pied-billed Grebe
Birding Tips
- 1
Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.
- 2
Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.
- 3
Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.
- 4
Check tide tables before visiting — low tide exposes mudflats that attract the most shorebirds.
- 5
Bring insect repellent — wetland areas can have significant mosquito activity, especially in warmer months.
Amenities
Nearby Attractions
- San Elijo State Beach
- Batiquitos Lagoon
- San Dieguito Lagoon