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

Hermit Thrush

Catharus guttatus

5/27/2026Cascade Canyon Open Space Preserve, Mill Valley US-CA 37.90948, -122.569611 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

5/27/2026Golden Gate Park, San Francisco US-CA 37.76959, -122.494801 observed

Brant

Branta bernicla

5/27/2026MLK Jr. Regional Shoreline1 observed

Bank Swallow

Riparia riparia

5/27/2026Fort Funston - for long traveling lists - use specific hotspot where appropriate2 observed

Dunlin

Calidris alpina

5/26/2026Lone Tree Point4 observed

Western Sandpiper

Calidris mauri

5/26/2026Lone Tree Point20 observed

Wood Duck

Aix sponsa

5/26/2026Golden Gate Park--Blue Heron Lake & Strawberry Hill1 observed

Evening Grosbeak

Hesperiphona vespertina

5/26/2026Parnassus Backyards -- Cole Valley6 observed

Lewis's Woodpecker

Melanerpes lewis

5/26/2026Presidio, San Francisco US-CA 37.79631, -122.462781 observed

Ash-throated Flycatcher

Myiarchus cinerascens

5/26/2026Presidio--El Polin Springs & Inspiration Point1 observed

Rhinoceros Auklet

Cerorhinca monocerata

5/26/2026Sutro Baths--seawatch1 observed

Black-and-white Warbler

Mniotilta varia

5/26/2026Presidio--El Polin Springs & Inspiration Point1 observed

Gadwall

Mareca strepera

5/26/2026Pier 94--salt marsh restoration1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

25/25/2026

Mallard

25/25/2026

Surf Scoter

15/25/2026

Rock Pigeon

35/25/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

15/25/2026

Allen's Hummingbird

15/25/2026

Black-bellied Plover

205/25/2026

Marbled Godwit

705/25/2026

Western Gull

35/25/2026

Clark's Grebe

45/25/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

15/25/2026

Snowy Egret

95/25/2026

Brown Pelican

15/25/2026

Osprey

25/25/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

15/25/2026

American Crow

55/25/2026

Common Raven

15/25/2026

Bushtit

15/25/2026

Bewick's Wren

15/25/2026

European Starling

25/25/2026

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.