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

Masked Booby

Sula dactylatra

5/28/2026Gulf of the Farallones (SF Co.)1 observed

White-eyed Vireo

Vireo griseus

5/28/2026Pt. Reyes--Fish Docks (DO NOT INCLUDE Chimney Rock area)1 observed

Purple Martin

Progne subis

5/28/2026Pt. Reyes--Drakes Beach (DO NOT INCLUDE Horseshoe Pond or beach/estero beyond Horseshoe Pond)2 observed

Blackpoll Warbler

Setophaga striata

5/28/2026Pt. Reyes--Drakes Beach (DO NOT INCLUDE Horseshoe Pond or beach/estero beyond Horseshoe Pond)1 observed

California Scrub-Jay

Aphelocoma californica

5/28/2026Pt. Reyes--Drakes Beach (DO NOT INCLUDE Horseshoe Pond or beach/estero beyond Horseshoe Pond)1 observed

Tennessee Warbler

Leiothlypis peregrina

5/28/2026Pt. Reyes--Drakes Beach (DO NOT INCLUDE Horseshoe Pond or beach/estero beyond Horseshoe Pond)1 observed

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Pheucticus ludovicianus

5/28/2026Pt. Reyes--Mendoza Ranch (B Ranch)1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

5/28/2026Muir Beach--includes beach, Redwood Creek riparian corridor, Green Gulch1 observed

Hooded Warbler

Setophaga citrina

5/28/2026Green Gulch Zen Center, Zendo, Zendo Pond & Gardens Area1 observed

Hermit Thrush

Catharus guttatus

5/27/2026Crown Road Area — Baltimore Canyon OSP1 observed

Bank Swallow

Riparia riparia

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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

California Quail

25/27/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

15/27/2026

Killdeer

15/27/2026

Great Blue Heron

15/27/2026

Osprey

15/27/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

15/27/2026

California Scrub-Jay

55/27/2026

American Crow

55/27/2026

Chestnut-backed Chickadee

15/27/2026

Tree Swallow

75/27/2026

Bushtit

45/27/2026

Wrentit

25/27/2026

Bewick's Wren

35/27/2026

Western Bluebird

15/27/2026

Swainson's Thrush

55/27/2026

American Robin

15/27/2026

Cedar Waxwing

35/27/2026

House Finch

35/27/2026

American Goldfinch

25/27/2026

Grasshopper Sparrow

15/27/2026

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.