Tijuana Slough National Wildlife Refuge - Visitor Center/North McCoy Trail

California · Southwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Tijuana Slough National Wildlife Refuge - Visitor Center/North McCoy Trail is a productive birding destination in California, with 243 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Anna's Hummingbird, American Coot, and Snowy Egret 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

Short-eared Owl

Asio flammeus

3/5/2026San Diego Bay NWR--SoCal Saltworks (restricted access)1 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

Common Ground Dove

Columbina passerina

3/5/2026Tijuana River Valley--Sunset Ave east of Hollister4 observed

Tropical Kingbird

Tyrannus melancholicus

3/5/2026Tijuana River Valley--Sunset Ave east of Hollister1 observed

Plumbeous Vireo

Vireo plumbeus

3/5/2026Harry Griffen Regional Park1 observed

Lawrence's Goldfinch

Spinus lawrencei

3/5/2026Tijuana River Valley--Bird & Butterfly Garden (Myers Ranch)1 observed

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

3/5/2026Famosa Slough1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

3/5/2026Kate Sessions Neighborhood Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Anna's Hummingbird

13/5/2026

American Coot

33/5/2026

Snowy Egret

123/5/2026

Song Sparrow

23/5/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

13/5/2026

Green-tailed Towhee

13/5/2026

Blue-winged Teal

63/4/2026

American Wigeon

93/4/2026

Mallard

23/4/2026

Mourning Dove

13/4/2026

Allen's Hummingbird

13/4/2026

Killdeer

13/4/2026

Willet

213/4/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

233/4/2026

Western Gull

13/4/2026

California Gull

13/4/2026

Osprey

13/4/2026

Northern Harrier

13/4/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

13/4/2026

American Crow

83/4/2026

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Tijuana Slough National Wildlife Refuge - Visitor Center/North McCoy Trail for birding?
The best months to visit Tijuana Slough National Wildlife Refuge - Visitor Center/North McCoy Trail for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Tijuana Slough National Wildlife Refuge - Visitor Center/North McCoy Trail?
Notable species at Tijuana Slough National Wildlife Refuge - Visitor Center/North McCoy Trail include Anna's Hummingbird, American Coot, Snowy Egret, Song Sparrow, Yellow-rumped Warbler. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Tijuana Slough National Wildlife Refuge - Visitor Center/North McCoy Trail?
Birding at Tijuana Slough National Wildlife Refuge - Visitor Center/North McCoy Trail is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Tijuana Slough National Wildlife Refuge - Visitor Center/North McCoy Trail?
Tijuana Slough National Wildlife Refuge - Visitor Center/North McCoy Trail offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.