Bird Watching in Long Beach

You may be surprised to learn that Long Beach, known for its waterfront and urban energy, is also a rich destination when it comes to bird watching. Its historic gardens, wetlands, coastal lagoons and quiet marine preserves create a diverse habitat attracting resident and migratory birds year-round. If you're a bird lover, here are some of the city’s best locations to slow down, look up, and enjoy these winged wonders in their natural settings.

RANCHO LOS CERRITOS

Rancho Los Cerritos (4600 Virginia Rd) is an exceptional bird-watching destination thanks to its diverse gardens and open spaces set along important migratory routes. These habitats attract insects that draw a wide range of birds. During visits, birders often see Allen’s Hummingbirds, Black Phoebes, Mourning Doves, House Finches and California Towhees. Rancho Los Cerritos’ monthly Bird Walk, held the second Thursday of each month, offers a free, peaceful way to enjoy nature and get a bit of exercise within the quiet beauty of this historic Long Beach landmark.

RANCHO LOS ALAMITOS

Rancho Los Alamitos (6400 E Bixby Hill Rd), Ranch of the Little Cottonwoods, is another haven for birds and pollinating insects, thanks to its extensive gardens landscaped with blooming roses and geraniums, jacaranda trees, and California native plants. It's semi-isolated location on a hill provides a quieter environment to listen for bird song as you stroll the garden trails. You can also visit the Rancho's resident livestock in the barn, including horses, sheep, goats, chickens, and ducks.

LONG BEACH PARROTS

You often hear them before you see them. Then, suddenly a flock of fast-flying green parrots will swoop overhead or you might spot them nesting in palm trees around Long Beach's coastal areas. These resident parrots are actually mitred parakeets native to South America (depicted here in a painting by Lori Lamont commemorating the Long Beach Museum of Art's 75th anniversary), and they thrive in Long Beach thanks to our year-round warm weather, abundance of trees producing fruit and seeds they can eat, and absence of predators. These birds, and several similar species, are common across Southern California.

JACK DUNSTER MARINE PRESERVE

Jack Dunster Marine Biological Reserve (Boathouse Ln and Los Cerritos Channel) is a hidden gem for bird watching. Located at the end of Marine Stadium–through a narrow pathway next to the rowing center–this 2.7 acre preserve of land and shallow water provides a calm, protected habitat attracting shorebirds, waterfowl and seasonal migrants. A meandering pathway and floating observation platforms offer excellent viewing without disturbing wildlife. Terraced, vegetated walls shelter the reserve from channel currents, creating a peaceful setting ideal for observing birds up close year-round.

EL DORADO NATURE CENTER

El Dorado Nature Center (7550 E Spring St) offers 105 acres of ponds, streams and tree-lined trails where birders can spot hawks, mallards, warblers and many other species. Quiet dirt paths, wooden bridges, shaded benches, wildflowers and butterflies add to a wonderful experience as this peaceful urban oasis provides excellent viewing opportunities year-round, perfect for both casual visitors and dedicated birders. The visitor’s center features educational exhibits, maps and interactive displays about local wildlife and ecosystems, including a light-up exhibit where you can push buttons to hear various bird calls.

COLORADO LAGOON

Colorado Lagoon (5119 E Colorado St) is one of Southern California’s best urban bird-watching spots. As part of Los Cerritos Wetlands, it’s a vital habitat for resident and migratory birds alike. This 13-acre wetland supports more than 230 recorded bird species, from herons and egrets to migratory warblers and shorebirds. Walk the perimeter loop or scan nearby trees for activity. Visit early mornings for best light and bird movement, bring binoculars and a field guide, and pause quietly along the shoreline.

CREDIT: Eileen Delrosario

AQUARIUM OF THE PACIFIC

Bird lovers should definitely include the Aquarium of the Pacific (100 Aquarium Way) in their Long Beach itinerary for opportunities to see many interesting species up close. Of course, the Aquarium houses birds with connections to the ocean, like a colony of nearly two dozen Magellanic penguins, as well as puffins, pigeon guillemots, and auklets. In the Lorikeet Forest aviary outdoors, you can meet colorful squawking lorikeets and even feed them a cup of their favorite nectar. The Aquarium is also home to local shorebirds, like stilts, plovers, killdeer, and ruddy ducks. After you visit the Aquarium's birds, head to local wetlands like the Bolsa Chica State Marine Conservation Area to see these species in the wild.

About the Author

Steve Lowery

Steve Lowery is a longtime local. Over the years he has written for the Los Angeles Times, ESPN, and others. If you're looking for the hidden gems of Long Beach, Steve is your go-to.