Charleston Slough is home to some of the most distinctive species of birds at Shoreline. Providing over 130 acres of active tidal salt marsh and slough, the birds have claimed this area as a safe, productive sanctuary in which to nest and roost. Species observed in this area include: Long-billed Curlew; Marbled Godwit; Least Sandpiper; American Avocet; Northern Shoveler; Pintail; Ruddy Duck; and more.

Coast Casey Forebay is a small fresh and salt water area which serves as a flood control basis for Mountain View and surrounding communities. Like Charleston Slough, it serves as a home for many interesting and some rare species of birds. Species observed in this area include: Great Egret; Black-crowned Night Heron; Killdeer; Black-necked Stilt; American Avocet; and a variety of duck species.

Shoreline Lake was originally planned for non-motorized recreational use. However, because of its depth and high water quality, the lake now plays host to species of birds not commonly found on this part of the Bay. For example, you might see: White and Brown Pelicans; the California Gull; American Coot; Canada Goose; Surf Scoter; Goldeneye; and Pied-billed Grebes.

Permanente Creek as well as Mountain View Slough and Tidal Marsh provide an overview of the wildlife in this interconnecting system. For example, you might observe the: Great Blue Heron; Snowy Egret; Black-Crowned Night Heron; Song Sparrow; and even Common Yellowthroat. Nearby, the Stevens Creek Tidal Marsh area provides an additional habitat for birds such as dabbling ducks.

Meadowlands, natural grasslands and wildflower areas also border the marshes and provide habitat for upland birds, while the neighboring flood control basin (west) and Crittenden Marsh (east) are valuable marsh habitats to be explored by those interested in the wildlife of the South Bay. In the meadowlands and on irrigated grassland areas, the charming and elusive Burrowing Owl species can also be found.