Wetland birding habitat

Bolinas Lagoon

California · Southwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Bolinas Lagoon is a productive birding destination in California, with 308 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Green-winged Teal, Bufflehead, 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

Elegant Tern

Thalasseus elegans

4/18/2026Vincent Park (please do not include Stege Marsh/Meeker Slough!)2 observed

California Condor

Gymnogyps californianus

4/18/2026Golden Gate Park--Marx Meadow1 observed

Red-breasted Nuthatch

Sitta canadensis

4/18/2026Golden Gate Park--Mallard Lake1 observed

Palm Warbler

Setophaga palmarum

4/18/2026Golden Gate Park--Arboretum (San Francisco Botanical Garden)1 observed

Wood Duck

Aix sponsa

4/18/2026Golden Gate Park--Blue Heron Lake & Strawberry Hill1 observed

Bullock's x Baltimore Oriole (hybrid)

Icterus bullockii x galbula

4/18/2026Fort Mason1 observed

Swainson's Hawk

Buteo swainsoni

4/17/2026Presidio--Battery Godfrey1 observed

Stilt Sandpiper

Calidris himantopus

4/17/2026Rush Creek OSP--Cemetery Marsh1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

24/17/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

144/17/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

24/17/2026

Hudsonian Whimbrel

54/17/2026

Long-billed Curlew

34/17/2026

Marbled Godwit

64/17/2026

Willet

284/17/2026

Ring-billed Gull

24/17/2026

Western Gull

144/17/2026

Caspian Tern

744/17/2026

Elegant Tern

1364/17/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

864/17/2026

Snowy Egret

84/17/2026

Great Egret

14/17/2026

Brown Pelican

14/17/2026

Turkey Vulture

14/17/2026

American Crow

74/17/2026

House Finch

24/17/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

24/17/2026

Song Sparrow

14/17/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Bolinas Lagoon for birding?
The best months to visit Bolinas Lagoon for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Bolinas Lagoon?
Notable species at Bolinas Lagoon include Green-winged Teal, Bufflehead, Ruddy Duck, Anna's Hummingbird, American Avocet. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Bolinas Lagoon?
Birding at Bolinas Lagoon is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Bolinas Lagoon?
Bolinas Lagoon offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.