Coastal birding habitat

Blufftop Coastal Park and Poplar Beach

California · Southwest

Habitat
CoastalUrban Park
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Blufftop Coastal Park and Poplar Beach is a productive birding destination in California, with 223 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and urban park habitat attracts Surf Scoter, Brown Pelican, and Red-shouldered Hawk 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

Great-tailed Grackle

Quiscalus mexicanus

4/18/2026Safeway Parking Lot and Pilarcitos Creek riparian area2 observed

Golden Eagle

Aquila chrysaetos

4/18/2026La Honda Creek OSP (lower)1 observed

Chipping Sparrow

Spizella passerina

4/18/2026La Honda Creek OSP (lower)3 observed

Orchard Oriole

Icterus spurius

4/16/2026309 23rd Ave, San Mateo US-CA (37.5440,-122.3118)1 observed

Black-chinned Hummingbird

Archilochus alexandri

4/16/20262500 Embarcadero Road, Palo Alto, California, US (37.458, -122.108)2 observed

Swainson's Thrush

Catharus ustulatus

4/16/2026Quarry Park1 observed

Lark Sparrow

Chondestes grammacus

4/16/2026La Honda Creek OSP (lower)1 observed

Ruddy Turnstone

Arenaria interpres

4/15/2026San Francisquito Creek Mouth (SCL Co.)1 observed

Harlequin Duck

Histrionicus histrionicus

4/15/2026Harborview Park and Freshwater Marsh - CBA 100371 observed

Red-necked Phalarope

Phalaropus lobatus

4/14/2026Lake Merced--Concrete Bridge area1 observed

Common Gallinule

Gallinula galeata

4/13/2026Lake Merced--Concrete Bridge area1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Eurasian Collared-Dove

14/14/2026

Mourning Dove

24/14/2026

Allen's Hummingbird

14/14/2026

Western Gull

14/14/2026

Brown Pelican

34/14/2026

Common Raven

104/14/2026

Chestnut-backed Chickadee

14/14/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

64/14/2026

Wrentit

14/14/2026

Bewick's Wren

24/14/2026

European Starling

44/14/2026

American Robin

14/14/2026

House Sparrow

14/14/2026

American Pipit

14/14/2026

House Finch

64/14/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

34/14/2026

American Goldfinch

14/14/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

14/14/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

34/14/2026

Savannah Sparrow

34/14/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.

  2. 2

    Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Blufftop Coastal Park and Poplar Beach for birding?
The best months to visit Blufftop Coastal Park and Poplar Beach for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Blufftop Coastal Park and Poplar Beach?
Notable species at Blufftop Coastal Park and Poplar Beach include Surf Scoter, Brown Pelican, Red-shouldered Hawk, American Crow, White-crowned Sparrow. The area supports coastal, urban park habitats.
How difficult is birding at Blufftop Coastal Park and Poplar Beach?
Birding at Blufftop Coastal Park and Poplar Beach is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Blufftop Coastal Park and Poplar Beach?
Blufftop Coastal Park and Poplar Beach offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails.