Wilder Ranch State Park - Four Mile Beach

California · Southwest

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Wilder Ranch State Park - Four Mile Beach is a productive birding destination in California, with 251 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and Surf Scoter 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

Barrow's Goldeneye

Bucephala islandica

3/6/2026Seabright SB1 observed

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

3/6/2026Moran Lake Park, Pleasure Point US-CA 36.95673, -121.977511 observed

Ferruginous Hawk

Buteo regalis

3/5/2026Big Basin SP--China Grade (north of Highway 236)1 observed

Black Scoter

Melanitta americana

3/5/2026Waddell Bluffs2 observed

Hooded Oriole

Icterus cucullatus

3/5/2026Soquel, Crestline Way1 observed

Swainson's Hawk

Buteo swainsoni

3/5/2026Cortez Park (SCZ Co.)1 observed

Song Sparrow (heermanni Group)

Melospiza melodia

3/3/2026Sanborn CP--John Nicholas Trail

Laysan Albatross

Phoebastria immutabilis

2/26/2026Monterey Bay pelagic (MTY Co., 2+ mi offshore)1 observed

Western Flycatcher

Empidonax difficilis

2/26/2026Polo Grounds Park2 observed

Orchard Oriole

Icterus spurius

2/25/2026El Rio1 observed

Pacific Golden-Plover

Pluvialis fulva

2/25/2026Wilder Ranch SP--Old Cove Landing Trail2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

123/4/2026

Mallard

33/4/2026

Surf Scoter

363/4/2026

Bufflehead

13/4/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

13/4/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

23/4/2026

American Coot

33/4/2026

Common Murre

13/4/2026

Heermann's Gull

33/4/2026

Short-billed Gull

23/4/2026

Western Gull

403/4/2026

American Herring Gull

63/4/2026

California Gull

803/4/2026

Glaucous-winged Gull

223/4/2026

Iceland Gull

13/4/2026

Red-throated Loon

53/4/2026

Brandt's Cormorant

43/4/2026

Snowy Egret

13/4/2026

Brown Pelican

93/4/2026

Northern Harrier

13/4/2026

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 Wilder Ranch State Park - Four Mile Beach for birding?
The best months to visit Wilder Ranch State Park - Four Mile Beach for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Wilder Ranch State Park - Four Mile Beach?
Notable species at Wilder Ranch State Park - Four Mile Beach include Canada Goose, Mallard, Surf Scoter, Bufflehead, Red-breasted Merganser. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Wilder Ranch State Park - Four Mile Beach?
Birding at Wilder Ranch State Park - Four Mile Beach is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Wilder Ranch State Park - Four Mile Beach?
Wilder Ranch State Park - Four Mile Beach offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.