Desert birding habitat

Albany Bulb

California · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Albany Bulb is a productive birding destination in California, with 222 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Canada Goose, Northern Shoveler, and American Wigeon 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

Allen's Hummingbird

Selasphorus sasin

7/16/2026Tilden Regional Park--Botanic Garden1 observed

Canvasback

Aythya valisineria

7/16/2026Pt. Isabel Regional Shoreline (please do not use for areas northwest of dog park)2 observed

Least Tern

Sternula antillarum

7/16/2026Heron's Head Park1 observed

Wood Duck

Aix sponsa

7/15/2026Golden Gate Park--Blue Heron Lake & Strawberry Hill1 observed

Glaucous-winged Gull

Larus glaucescens

7/15/2026San Leandro Marina1 observed

American Kestrel

Falco sparverius

7/15/2026Amador Street - fennel/willow patch and adjoining fields 37.74489, -122.379561 observed

Northern Harrier

Circus hudsonius

7/15/2026Presidio--El Polin Springs & Inspiration Point2 observed

Bald Eagle

Haliaeetus leucocephalus

7/15/2026Heron's Head Park1 observed

Least Bittern

Botaurus exilis

7/15/2026Las Gallinas Valley Sanitary District1 observed

Brant

Branta bernicla

7/15/2026MLK Jr. Regional Shoreline--New Marsh/San Leandro Creek1 observed

Short-billed Dowitcher

Limnodromus griseus

7/14/2026Presidio--Crissy Field Lagoon1 observed

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Setophaga coronata

7/14/2026Presidio--Robb Hill-east side eucalyptus forest1 observed

Cackling Goose

Branta hutchinsii

7/14/2026MLK Jr. Regional Shoreline--Arrowhead Marsh1 observed

White-breasted Nuthatch

Sitta carolinensis

7/14/2026Fort Mason1 observed

Royal Tern

Thalasseus maximus

7/14/2026Ocean Beach-- across from Oceanside Water Polution Plant (FOR STATIONARY SEAWATCH ONLY)1 observed

Red-throated Loon

Gavia stellata

7/14/2026Ocean Beach-- across from Oceanside Water Polution Plant (FOR STATIONARY SEAWATCH ONLY)1 observed

Common Loon

Gavia immer

7/14/2026Ocean Beach-- across from Oceanside Water Polution Plant (FOR STATIONARY SEAWATCH ONLY)13 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Black Oystercatcher

37/14/2026

Black-bellied Plover

37/14/2026

Willet

17/14/2026

Caspian Tern

77/14/2026

Canada Goose

37/7/2026

Mallard

27/7/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

17/7/2026

American Avocet

27/7/2026

Killdeer

17/7/2026

California Gull

7/7/2026

Snowy Egret

57/7/2026

Osprey

27/7/2026

Black Phoebe

17/7/2026

European Starling

107/7/2026

House Finch

7/7/2026

Mourning Dove

17/5/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Start birding at dawn when desert birds are most active before the heat.

  2. 2

    Check around water sources, which concentrate desert species.

  3. 3

    Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Albany Bulb for birding?
The best months to visit Albany Bulb for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Albany Bulb?
Notable species at Albany Bulb include Canada Goose, Northern Shoveler, American Wigeon, Mallard, Green-winged Teal. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at Albany Bulb?
Birding at Albany Bulb is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Albany Bulb?
Albany Bulb offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.