San Mateo Point & Creek (Trestles Beach)

California · Southwest

Habitat
CoastalRiver/Riparian
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

San Mateo Point & Creek (Trestles Beach) is a productive birding destination in California, with 206 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and river/riparian habitat attracts Anna's Hummingbird, Allen's Hummingbird, and Hudsonian Whimbrel 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

Snow Goose

Anser caerulescens

3/5/2026Lago Santa Margarita1 observed

Oak Titmouse

Baeolophus inornatus

3/5/2026Laguna Coast Wilderness Park5 observed

Red-lored Amazon

Amazona autumnalis

3/4/202626632 Sinforosa Dr, Mission Viejo US-CA 33.60996, -117.665311 observed

Ash-throated Flycatcher

Myiarchus cinerascens

3/4/2026Aliso and Wood Canyons WP -- Wood Canyon Trail1 observed

White-breasted Nuthatch

Sitta carolinensis

3/4/2026Aliso and Wood Canyons WP -- Wood Canyon Trail1 observed

Solitary Sandpiper

Tringa solitaria

3/3/2026Whelan Lake Bird Sanctuary (permission required)2 observed

Mountain Chickadee

Poecile gambeli

3/2/202624362 Las Naranjas Drive 926771 observed

Bald Eagle

Haliaeetus leucocephalus

2/28/2026I-5 N, San Diego1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Anna's Hummingbird

32/22/2026

Allen's Hummingbird

22/22/2026

Hudsonian Whimbrel

12/22/2026

Willet

22/22/2026

Sanderling

12/22/2026

California Gull

2/22/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

2/22/2026

Snowy Egret

12/22/2026

Brown Pelican

2/22/2026

Nuttall's Woodpecker

22/22/2026

Black Phoebe

12/22/2026

Hutton's Vireo

22/22/2026

American Crow

42/22/2026

Bushtit

42/22/2026

Wrentit

52/22/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

12/22/2026

California Gnatcatcher

12/22/2026

Northern House Wren

12/22/2026

California Thrasher

12/22/2026

Northern Mockingbird

12/22/2026

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 San Mateo Point & Creek (Trestles Beach) for birding?
The best months to visit San Mateo Point & Creek (Trestles Beach) for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at San Mateo Point & Creek (Trestles Beach)?
Notable species at San Mateo Point & Creek (Trestles Beach) include Anna's Hummingbird, Allen's Hummingbird, Hudsonian Whimbrel, Willet, Sanderling. The area supports coastal, river/riparian habitats.
How difficult is birding at San Mateo Point & Creek (Trestles Beach)?
Birding at San Mateo Point & Creek (Trestles Beach) is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at San Mateo Point & Creek (Trestles Beach)?
San Mateo Point & Creek (Trestles Beach) offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.