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

Loading map...

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

Redhead

Aythya americana

5/31/2026Palo Alto Flood Control Basin--E. Bayshore Rd. ponds2 observed

Black Swift

Cypseloides niger

5/30/2026Half Moon Bay SB--Sweetwood Camp and Dunes Beach to Young Ave.1 observed

Golden Eagle

Aquila chrysaetos

5/30/20264802–4952 Cloverdale Rd, Pescadero US-CA 37.24257, -122.366191 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

5/30/2026Pacifica Yard List1 observed

Red-breasted Nuthatch

Sitta canadensis

5/30/2026El Corte De Madera Creek OSP1 observed

Hermit Thrush

Catharus guttatus

5/30/2026El Corte De Madera Creek OSP1 observed

Varied Thrush

Ixoreus naevius

5/30/2026Tunitas Creek Road 111 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Surf Scoter

855/25/2026

Western Gull

125/25/2026

Western Grebe

15/25/2026

Brandt's Cormorant

65/25/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

15/25/2026

Brown Pelican

105/25/2026

Turkey Vulture

15/25/2026

Cliff Swallow

15/25/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

25/25/2026

Savannah Sparrow

35/25/2026

Brewer's Blackbird

25/25/2026

California Quail

25/24/2026

Rock Pigeon

15/24/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

15/24/2026

Mourning Dove

15/24/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

45/24/2026

Allen's Hummingbird

15/24/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

15/24/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

25/24/2026

Western Flycatcher

15/24/2026

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.