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California offers some of the most diverse bird watching opportunities in the United States, with over 600 species recorded throughout the state. From coastal marshes to mountain forests, desert oases to urban parks, the Golden State's varied ecosystems provide habitats for both resident and migratory birds year-round. The best locations for spotting California's feathered residents include Point Reyes National Seashore, Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary, and Elkhorn Slough State Marine Reserve, each offering unique viewing experiences for birders of all skill levels.

Identifying California birds becomes easier when visiting these prime locations during different seasons. Winter brings massive congregations of waterfowl to areas like Morro Bay, while spring welcomes colorful warblers and other migrants. Enthusiasts can observe rare species such as the California Condor at Pinnacles National Park, while the northern California coast provides opportunities to spot pelagic species and coastal specialists.

The state's dedication to conservation has created numerous accessible birding hotspots, including the Big Morongo Canyon where over 250 avian species have been documented. For those in the San Francisco area, the Bay Area offers twelve hidden gems for birding enthusiasts. These locations not only provide excellent bird watching opportunities but also contribute to scientific research through citizen science projects and seasonal bird counts.

Bird Watching in California: Expert Guide to Identification and Top Locations

The Essentials of Bird Watching in California

California offers exceptional bird watching opportunities with over 600 recorded species across diverse habitats. Preparation is key to enjoying this rewarding activity throughout the Golden State.

Essential Equipment:

• Quality binoculars (8×42 magnification recommended)
• Field guide specific to Western birds
• Notebook for recording observations
• Camera with zoom capability
• Comfortable hiking shoes
• Weather-appropriate clothing (layers recommended)

Timing matters significantly in California bird watching. Spring migration (March-May) and fall migration (August-October) provide the greatest species diversity. Early mornings generally offer the most bird activity across all locations.

California's diverse ecosystems require different approaches. Coastal areas like Point Reyes National Seashore are excellent for shorebirds and seabirds, while inland marshes attract waterfowl and waders.

The Monterey Bay Area ranks among North America's top 5 birding destinations due to its unique coastal ecology. This region showcases an impressive diversity of resident and migratory species.

Respect for wildlife habitats ensures continued bird watching opportunities. Keep a respectful distance from birds, stay on designated trails, and avoid disturbing nesting areas.

Joining local Audubon Society chapters or bird watching groups can enhance the experience. These organizations often offer guided walks, educational resources, and community connections for both beginners and experienced bird watchers.

Diverse Habitats and Their Residents

California's remarkable geographic diversity creates an extraordinary range of ecosystems that support over 600 bird species throughout the year. The state's varied landscapes—from misty coastal shores to inland wetlands, dense forests, and arid deserts—each host specialized avian communities adapted to these specific environments.

Coastal Areas and Shorebirds

California's 840-mile coastline serves as critical habitat for numerous shorebird species. Point Reyes stands out as a premier birding location with over 400 species recorded, making it comparable to renowned spots like Cape May.

Beach-loving birds commonly spotted include:

• Marbled Godwits
• Willets
• Whimbrels
• Long-billed Curlews
• Sanderlings

The Farallon Islands host one of the largest seabird colonies in the continental United States. During migration periods, coastal areas become especially active as birds travel along the Pacific Flyway.

For Orange County birders, Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve offers excellent shorebird viewing. Look for elegant Black Skimmers slicing through the water's surface with their specialized lower mandible, or Snowy Plovers pattering along sandy beaches.

Inland Wetlands and Waterfowl

California's inland wetlands provide crucial habitat for resident and migratory waterfowl. These areas become especially vibrant during winter months when northern species migrate south.

Prime wetland birding locations include:

• Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge
• Merced National Wildlife Refuge
• San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary in Irvine
• Upper Newport Bay in Newport Beach

At Abbotts Lagoon, visitors can easily spot western grebes, pied-billed grebes, and American coots. The brackish waters create perfect conditions for diverse waterfowl feeding and nesting.

During spring and fall migrations, these wetlands host impressive concentrations of ducks, geese, and sandhill cranes. Winter brings spectacular viewing opportunities for tundra swans, snow geese, and numerous duck species in the Central Valley.

Forests and Woodland Birds

California's diverse forest ecosystems range from coastal redwoods to oak woodlands and alpine coniferous forests, each supporting distinctive bird communities.

Notable forest birds include:

• Northern Spotted Owl – Endangered resident of old-growth forests
• Steller's Jay – Bold, crested jay of coniferous forests
• Acorn Woodpecker – Known for creating “granary trees” filled with acorns
• Mountain Chickadee – Alpine specialist with distinctive call
• Oak Titmouse – Endemic to California's oak woodlands

The Sierra Nevada mountains offer excellent opportunities to spot montane specialists. Look for White-headed Woodpeckers working pine bark or Townsend's Solitaires perched prominently on conifer tops.

Oak woodlands host numerous cavity-nesting species and provide essential habitat for winter residents and migrating neotropical songbirds during spring and fall.

Deserts and Specialized Species

California's desert regions—including the Mojave, Colorado, and Great Basin—harbor uniquely adapted bird species that thrive in these harsh environments.

Desert specialists to look for:

• Cactus Wren
• Greater Roadrunner
• Verdin
• Black-throated Sparrow
• Costa's Hummingbird

Desert birds exhibit remarkable adaptations for conserving water and regulating body temperature. Many desert species begin activities at dawn to avoid midday heat, making early morning the optimal viewing time.

Death Valley National Park and Anza-Borrego Desert State Park offer excellent desert birding opportunities. After rare rainfall events, desert habitats can experience dramatic increases in bird activity and diversity.

Palm oases create microhabitats that attract concentration of birds seeking water and shelter. Joshua Tree National Park's distinctive landscape supports a mix of desert and mountain species, providing opportunities to observe birds that rarely overlap elsewhere.

Bird Identification Techniques

Identifying birds in California requires developing specific skills that combine visual observation, auditory recognition, and behavioral analysis. These techniques allow birdwatchers to accurately identify species across California's diverse habitats, from coastal regions to mountain forests.

Visual Identification Tips

When identifying birds visually, focus first on the bird's size and shape. Compare the bird to familiar species like robins or sparrows to estimate relative size. Notice the proportions of head, bill, wings, and tail.

Color patterns provide crucial identification clues. Note distinctive markings such as wing bars, eye rings, or crown stripes. Remember that lighting conditions can affect how colors appear, so observe birds from multiple angles when possible.

Pay attention to field marks – these are unique identifying features like the red spot on a California Gull's bill or the rusty cap of a Chestnut-backed Chickadee. A good pair of binoculars is essential for spotting these details.

Habitat and location narrow down possibilities significantly. Coastal birds differ from those found in Point Reyes or the Sierras. California's exceptional bird diversity means considering where you're birding helps eliminate unlikely species.

Understanding Bird Calls and Songs

Bird vocalizations fall into two main categories: calls and songs. Calls are typically short, simple sounds used for communication about danger or location. Songs are more complex patterns often used for attracting mates or defending territory.

Learning calls and songs dramatically improves identification success, especially with species that look similar but sound distinct. The Oak Titmouse and Juniper Titmouse appear nearly identical but have different calls.

Recording apps like Merlin Bird ID and eBird can capture and identify bird sounds in real-time. Practice by listening to recordings before field trips to California hotspots like Cosumnes River Preserve.

The best times for listening are dawn and dusk during the “dawn chorus” and evening songs. Many California birds, particularly in chaparral habitats, are more easily heard than seen.

Behavioral Clues for Identification

Flight patterns offer valuable identification information. Soaring hawks, undulating woodpeckers, and hovering hummingbirds each move distinctively through the air. The diving behavior of pelicans along California's coastal birding sites is unmistakable.

Watch how birds feed to narrow identification options. Probing shorebirds, bark-gleaning nuthatches, and aerial-feeding swallows display characteristic techniques. Western Sandpipers probe mud with their bills, while Acorn Woodpeckers store acorns in specially drilled holes.

Social behavior provides additional clues. Note whether birds appear in pairs, family groups, or large flocks. Brewer's Blackbirds gather in noisy groups, while Spotted Towhees tend to forage alone or in pairs beneath shrubs.

Posture and perching preferences also help distinguish similar species. Western Bluebirds frequently perch on fences and wires, while Lazuli Buntings typically sing from exposed branches in brushy areas.

Must-Visit Birding Hotspots

California offers several world-class bird watching destinations that attract avid birders from around the globe. These locations showcase remarkable biodiversity and provide opportunities to spot both common and rare bird species throughout different seasons.

Point Reyes National Seashore

Point Reyes stands as one of California's premier birding destinations with over 400 species recorded, making it a must-visit location for serious birders. The peninsula's diverse habitats—including coastal scrub, marshes, and forests—create perfect conditions for both resident and migratory birds.

Spring and fall migrations bring spectacular viewing opportunities with thousands of songbirds passing through. The Lighthouse area offers exceptional seabird watching, where visitors might spot Black Oystercatchers, Pigeon Guillemots, and various cormorants.

Winter brings large numbers of waterfowl to Abbotts Lagoon and Drakes Estero. The rare Snowy Plover can be found on certain beaches, while Northern Spotted Owls inhabit the deeper forests.

Best birding trails:

• Bear Valley Trail
• Estero Trail
• Tomales Point Trail

Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge

The Salton Sea provides a critical stopover on the Pacific Flyway, supporting enormous populations of waterbirds and shorebirds. Despite challenging conditions, this unique inland sea attracts professional ornithologists and casual birdwatchers alike.

Winter brings tens of thousands of Snow Geese, White-faced Ibis, and American White Pelicans. The refuge hosts some of California's most exceptional bird concentrations, with over 400 species documented.

Rarities frequently appear, including Yellow-footed Gulls, Roseate Spoonbills, and various exotic vagrants. The best viewing occurs from October through March when temperatures are more moderate.

The Sonny Bono Unit offers excellent viewing platforms and a visitor center with helpful information. Morning visits provide better light conditions and more active bird populations.

Yosemite National Park

Yosemite offers outstanding bird watching opportunities across its dramatic elevation changes. The park hosts approximately 165 regular species, from valley floor woodlands to high alpine meadows.

In lower elevations, look for Acorn Woodpeckers, Mountain Chickadees, and Steller's Jays among the oak woodlands. The riparian areas along the Merced River attract American Dippers, which hunt underwater for aquatic insects.

Higher elevations provide habitat for White-headed Woodpeckers, Townsend's Solitaires, and the elusive Great Gray Owl. Glacier Point Road offers exceptional viewing of soaring raptors, including Red-tailed Hawks and occasionally Golden Eagles.

Spring brings a chorus of songbirds, while summer provides opportunities to spot nesting species. Wawona Meadow and Mariposa Grove are particularly productive locations for bird observation within the park.

Big Sur Coastline

Big Sur's dramatic coastal landscape provides exceptional habitat for both resident birds and seasonal migrants. The region's claim to fame is the California Condor, once nearly extinct but now regularly seen soaring above the cliffs.

Tufted Puffins occasionally appear offshore during breeding season. The coastal scrub supports California Thrashers, Wrentits, and California Towhees throughout the year.

Andrew Molera State Park offers excellent riparian habitat birding with opportunities to see Swainson's Thrushes and Wilson's Warblers during migration. Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park's waterfall area attracts numerous species to its microclimate.

Key viewing locations:

• McWay Falls overlook
• Bixby Bridge area
• Point Sur State Historic Park

Essential Gear for Birding Adventures

Proper equipment enhances the birding experience significantly, allowing for clear identification and memorable encounters with California's diverse avian population. Quality tools make the difference between merely glimpsing a bird and truly observing its distinctive features.

Choosing the Right Binoculars

Binoculars are the most essential tool for any birder. For beginners, an 8×42 pair offers an ideal balance between magnification and field of view. The first number (8) indicates magnification power, while the second (42) refers to lens diameter in millimeters.

More expensive models provide better image clarity and color reproduction, but even entry-level binoculars are sufficient to start the hobby. When selecting binoculars, weight matters significantly, as heavy models become cumbersome during long birding sessions.

Waterproof binoculars are highly recommended for California birding, particularly in coastal areas or during winter months. Eye relief (distance between eye and eyepiece) is crucial for eyeglass wearers, with 15-18mm being optimal.

Consider testing several models before purchasing to ensure comfort and ease of focus adjustment.

Guidebooks and Mobile Apps

Field guides specific to Western birds or California species provide valuable reference material in the field. The Sibley Guide to Birds and National Geographic's Field Guide to Birds of North America offer comprehensive information with detailed illustrations.

Digital resources have revolutionized birding identification. The free Merlin Bird ID app from Cornell Lab of Ornithology stands out with its sound recognition feature, helping identify birds by their calls. This app is particularly useful for California's dense habitats where birds are often heard but not seen.

Other helpful apps include eBird for tracking sightings and Audubon Bird Guide. Both provide information on local hotspots and seasonal migrations specific to California regions.

A small notebook remains valuable for recording observations, even in the digital age. Quick field sketches and behavior notes enhance the birding experience.

Photography Equipment for Birders

While not essential for beginners, photography equipment allows documentation of sightings and sharing of experiences. A camera with a zoom lens (at least 300mm) provides adequate reach for most bird photography situations.

DSLR cameras offer exceptional image quality but mirrorless cameras provide lighter alternatives with silent shooting modes that won't disturb birds. Budget-conscious birders can start with bridge cameras that feature built-in zoom capabilities.

A sturdy tripod stabilizes long lenses during extended observation periods. Carbon fiber models offer the best balance between weight and stability for hikers and active birders.

Memory cards with ample storage and spare batteries are essential, particularly in remote California locations. A lens cleaning kit protects equipment in dusty environments like Southern California deserts.

Seasonal Bird Watching Guide

California's varied ecosystems support diverse bird populations throughout the year, with each season offering unique viewing opportunities. Timing your bird watching trips to coincide with seasonal patterns will maximize your chances of observing notable species and behaviors.

Spring Migration Wonders

Spring transforms California into a bustling avian highway from March to May. Along the Pacific Flyway, Point Reyes becomes especially active with migrating warblers, thrushes, and flycatchers arriving in waves.

Coastal areas see an influx of shorebirds in their breeding plumage. Look for Black-headed Grosbeaks and Western Tanagers as they arrive in woodlands, bringing vibrant colors after winter's more subdued palette.

Riparian habitats throughout the state buzz with activity as Yellow Warblers and Wilson's Warblers establish breeding territories. In Southern California, watch for the brilliant orange Hooded Oriole returning to palm trees and the melodious songs of migratory thrushes.

Best Spring Viewing Locations:

• Malibu Creek State Park
• Point Reyes National Seashore
• Yosemite Valley for returning neotropical migrants
• Madrona Marsh in Torrance for migrating songbirds

Summer Nesting and Breeding

Summer birding showcases nesting behaviors and recently fledged young from June through August. Coastal colonies of pelicans, cormorants, and terns become active at sites like Southeast Farallon Island, offering dramatic viewing of courtship and nesting rituals.

Mountain habitats come alive with breeding activity. Listen for the distinctive songs of Mountain Chickadees and Western Wood-Pewees in Sierra Nevada forests. Scan meadows for White-crowned Sparrows and Green-tailed Towhees tending to their young.

Desert birders should focus on early mornings to observe Vermilion Flycatchers, Phainopeplas, and Verdins near oases and riparian corridors. Summer also presents opportunities to observe specialized mountain species like Clark's Nutcrackers and Sooty Grouse.

Summer Specialties by Habitat:

• Coastal: Elegant Terns, Pigeon Guillemots
• Mountain: Lazuli Buntings, Calliope Hummingbirds
• Valley: Yellow-billed Magpies, Oak Titmice
• Desert: Costa's Hummingbirds, Scott's Orioles

Fall Migratory Spectacles

Fall migration spans August through November, bringing excellent viewing as birds move southward. Shorebird numbers peak in September when species like Marbled Godwits and Sanderlings congregate along mudflats and beaches at South Humboldt Bay.

Hawk watching becomes premier in fall. Monitor ridgelines for kettles of Broad-winged Hawks, Swainson's Hawks, and Sharp-shinned Hawks riding thermals. The Marin Headlands offer spectacular raptor viewing during peak migration.

Waterfowl begin arriving at Central Valley refuges like Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge. By October, tens of thousands of Snow Geese, Northern Pintails, and American Wigeon create impressive gatherings across wetlands.

Vagrant hunting becomes particularly rewarding in fall. Coastal hotspots like Point St. George and the Farallon Islands attract rare eastern species blown off course during migration.

Wintering Birds of California

Winter transforms California's bird landscape from December through February. The Central Valley hosts the highest concentration of wintering waterfowl in the Pacific Flyway, with spectacular congregations at Sacramento and Kern National Wildlife Refuges.

Coastal locations provide excellent viewing of loons, grebes, and sea ducks. Morro Bay offers exceptional opportunities to observe Surf Scoters, Pacific Loons, and Brant Geese in protected waters.

Mountain birders should watch for mixed-species flocks containing Mountain Chickadees, Red-breasted Nuthatches, and Golden-crowned Kinglets. Winter irruptions occasionally bring Evening Grosbeaks and Pine Siskins to lower elevations.

Southern California attracts numerous “snowbirds” from northern regions. El Dorado Nature Center in Long Beach provides accessible viewing of wintering sparrows, Yellow-rumped Warblers, and Ruby-crowned Kinglets among other winter residents.

Joining the Birder Community

California offers numerous ways to connect with fellow bird enthusiasts. Local Audubon Society chapters welcome birders of all experience levels and regularly host outings, workshops, and conservation projects.

Online platforms provide additional opportunities to engage with the birding community. Websites like BirdingPlaces.com allow members to share favorite birding locations and experiences.

Many California parks and preserves organize guided bird walks led by experienced naturalists. These events are perfect for beginners seeking to improve identification skills while meeting like-minded nature lovers.

Ways to Connect with California Birders:

• Join regional birding groups on social media
• Participate in seasonal bird counts
• Attend birding festivals throughout the state
• Volunteer for habitat restoration projects
• Share sightings on eBird or similar platforms

Birding groups often contribute valuable data to conservation efforts. By joining organized surveys, even casual bird watchers help monitor population trends and habitat health across California.

Photography clubs with a wildlife focus provide another entry point to the birding community. Members share techniques for capturing birds in their natural environments while respecting ethical wildlife viewing practices.

Many experienced California birders eagerly mentor newcomers, passing along knowledge of local hotspots and helping identify challenging species. This culture of knowledge-sharing makes California's birding community particularly welcoming to beginners.

Conservation Efforts and How to Help

California's diverse bird populations face numerous threats, but several meaningful conservation initiatives aim to protect these species and their habitats. Birders can actively participate in these efforts through scientific contributions and responsible practices.

Habitat Preservation Initiatives

Audubon California manages 149 Important Bird Areas spanning over 10 million acres of crucial habitat for breeding, wintering, and migrating birds. These protected areas serve as vital sanctuaries for numerous bird species throughout the state.

The Golden Gate Bird Alliance works to preserve critical habitats in Northern California, focusing on wetlands, coastal areas, and forest ecosystems that support diverse bird populations. Local conservation organizations frequently organize habitat restoration events, including native plant installations and invasive species removal projects.

California's state parks system protects significant bird habitats, including Ahjumawi Lava Spring State Park, which offers sanctuary to numerous aquatic and terrestrial bird species. Private landowners can also contribute by creating bird-friendly spaces with native plantings and reduced pesticide use.

Citizen Science Projects

The Christmas Bird Count, coordinated by Audubon, engages thousands of Californians each year to document winter bird populations. This data helps scientists track population trends and identify conservation priorities across the state.

eBird, managed by Cornell Lab of Ornithology, allows birders to submit sightings from popular locations like Point Reyes, contributing valuable data that informs conservation decisions. Simply recording observations during visits to places like MLK Jr. Regional Shoreline Park helps build this important database.

California-specific monitoring projects:

• Breeding Bird Survey routes
• Shorebird monitoring at coastal sites
• Migratory raptor counts at key flyways
• Urban bird population studies

Responsible Birding Etiquette

Maintaining appropriate distances from birds prevents stress and nest abandonment, especially during breeding seasons. Using binoculars and spotting scopes allows for observation without disturbing natural behaviors.

Birders should remain on designated trails at locations like Casper's Wilderness Park and Irvine Regional Park to protect sensitive habitat. This practice minimizes erosion and prevents damage to nesting sites.

Ethical wildlife photography requires patience and consideration. Photographers should never manipulate birds or their environment to obtain better images, as this can disrupt critical behaviors.

When birding in groups, participants should keep noise levels low and avoid playing bird call recordings, which can distract birds from important activities like feeding and protecting their territory.

Photographing Birds in the Wild

Capturing birds in their natural habitats requires specialized techniques, patience, and respect for wildlife. The right equipment and ethical approach will significantly improve your chances of getting memorable shots.

Setting Up for Success

The foundation of successful bird photography starts with proper equipment. A camera with fast autofocus and a telephoto lens (at least 300mm) allows you to maintain distance while capturing detailed images.

Consider using a sturdy tripod to eliminate camera shake, especially in low light conditions. For birds in flight, use shutter speeds of at least 1/1000 second to freeze motion.

Early morning and late afternoon offer the best natural lighting for bird photography at Point Reyes National Seashore, where diverse species create excellent photo opportunities.

Set your camera to continuous shooting mode (burst) to capture the perfect moment when a bird moves or takes flight. Many photographers find success at locations like the Palo Alto Baylands Nature Preserve, which provides accessible viewing platforms.

Ethical Bird Photography

Always prioritize the welfare of birds over getting a perfect shot. Maintain a respectful distance that doesn't disturb their natural behaviors or cause stress.

Never bait wild birds with food to attract them for photography. This can alter natural feeding patterns and potentially harm birds by creating dependency or exposing them to predators.

Research breeding seasons and avoid disturbing nesting sites. The La Jolla cliffs in San Diego County offer opportunities to photograph cormorants and pelicans, but timing your visit to avoid breeding disruption is crucial.

Follow all park regulations and stay on designated trails to protect fragile habitats. Many of California's best birding spots have specific guidelines for photographers.

Consider joining a photography group led by experienced guides who understand both photography techniques and ethical wildlife viewing practices.

Notable Bird Species in California

California boasts exceptional bird diversity with over 600 species found throughout the state. The unique geography creates diverse habitats that support both endemic species and seasonal visitors that birders eagerly seek.

California Quail

The California Quail (Callipepla californica) serves as California's state bird, recognizable by its forward-curving plume and distinctive “chi-ca-go” call. Males display a bold black face outlined in white, with a brown body adorned with scaled patterns.

These social birds typically gather in coveys of 20-30 individuals, scurrying along the ground in chaparral, woodland edges, and suburban areas. During breeding season, they form monogamous pairs, with both parents caring for their young.

California Quail primarily eat seeds, leaves, and insects, often seen scratching through leaf litter for food. Their population remains stable throughout much of the state, making them relatively easy to spot year-round in proper habitat.

California Condor

The California Condor (Gymnogyps californianus) represents one of North America's most remarkable conservation success stories. With a massive 9.5-foot wingspan, these critically endangered birds nearly went extinct in the 1980s when only 22 remained in the wild.

Through intensive captive breeding programs, conservationists have increased their numbers to over 300 birds. Condors can now be spotted soaring above Big Sur, Pinnacles National Park, and the mountains near Los Angeles.

These scavengers play a crucial ecological role by consuming carrion. They're identifiable by their bald, reddish-orange heads and white triangular patches visible under their wings during flight. Each bird carries wing tags allowing researchers to track individual movements and monitor population health.

Anna's Hummingbird

The Anna's Hummingbird (Calypte anna) thrives year-round throughout much of California, recognized by the male's iridescent rose-pink throat and crown. These hardy hummingbirds have expanded their range northward in recent decades.

Unlike many hummingbird species that migrate south for winter, Anna's typically remain in California year-round. They frequent gardens, parks, and chaparral habitats where they feed on nectar from flowers and small insects.

Males perform spectacular courtship displays, climbing up to 130 feet before diving at speeds of 60 mph, creating a distinctive exploding sound with their tail feathers. These territorial birds often perch conspicuously on exposed branches, making them relatively easy to spot for patient observers.

Migratory Shorebirds

California's extensive coastline and wetlands attract impressive concentrations of migratory shorebirds. Elkhorn Slough in Monterey Bay alone hosts approximately 250 bird species throughout the year.

The Pacific Flyway brings millions of birds including Western Sandpipers, Marbled Godwits, and American Avocets to California's shores. Peak migration periods occur during spring (March-May) and fall (August-October) when birds travel between Arctic breeding grounds and southern wintering areas.

Key observation sites include:

• Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve (Orange County)
• Abbotts Lagoon in Point Reyes, where visitors can spot Western and pied-billed grebes
• San Francisco Bay's salt ponds and mudflats
• Mono Lake, essential for phalaropes and other species

Binoculars and spotting scopes enhance viewing experiences, as many shorebirds feed distantly on tidal mudflats.