Coastal birding habitat

Bodega Bay - north shore (includes rail ponds)

California · Southwest

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Bodega Bay - north shore (includes rail ponds) is a productive birding destination in California, with 250 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Greater Scaup, Common Goldeneye, and Ruddy Duck 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

Swainson's Thrush

Catharus ustulatus

4/17/2026Salmon Creek Road--from Fitzpatrick Lane to end of public road (including Fitzpatrick Lane)2 observed

Elegant Tern

Thalasseus elegans

4/17/2026Doran Regional Park - entrance pond to jetty5 observed

Common Black x Red-shouldered Hawk (hybrid)

Buteogallus anthracinus x Buteo lineatus

4/13/2026Santa Rosa Creek Trail and Delta Pond (west of Willowside Rd)1 observed

Pacific Golden-Plover

Pluvialis fulva

4/11/2026Bird Walk Coastal Access and Smith Brothers Road1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Common Goldeneye

24/16/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

34/16/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

14/16/2026

Caspian Tern

24/16/2026

Western Grebe

64/16/2026

Pacific Loon

34/16/2026

Common Loon

44/16/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

44/16/2026

Snowy Egret

14/16/2026

Brown Pelican

14/16/2026

Turkey Vulture

24/16/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

14/15/2026

Red-throated Loon

14/15/2026

Rock Pigeon

64/13/2026

Marbled Godwit

764/13/2026

Short-billed Dowitcher

114/13/2026

Willet

344/13/2026

Western Gull

64/13/2026

Great Blue Heron

54/13/2026

Mallard

14/13/2026

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 Bodega Bay - north shore (includes rail ponds) for birding?
The best months to visit Bodega Bay - north shore (includes rail ponds) for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Bodega Bay - north shore (includes rail ponds)?
Notable species at Bodega Bay - north shore (includes rail ponds) include Greater Scaup, Common Goldeneye, Ruddy Duck, Forster's Tern, Mallard. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Bodega Bay - north shore (includes rail ponds)?
Birding at Bodega Bay - north shore (includes rail ponds) is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Bodega Bay - north shore (includes rail ponds)?
Bodega Bay - north shore (includes rail ponds) offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.