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

Hooded Warbler

Setophaga citrina

7/14/2026Laguna Honda - includes canyon along Clarendon, hillside east of Laguna Honda Blvd and hospital grounds1 observed

Red Crossbill

Loxia curvirostra

7/13/2026Presidio--El Polin Springs & Inspiration Point1 observed

Black Scoter

Melanitta americana

7/13/2026Pt. Reyes--Drakes Beach (DO NOT INCLUDE Horseshoe Pond or beach/estero beyond Horseshoe Pond)1 observed

Wrentit

Chamaea fasciata

7/13/2026Pt. Reyes--Drakes Beach (DO NOT INCLUDE Horseshoe Pond or beach/estero beyond Horseshoe Pond)2 observed

Belted Kingfisher

Megaceryle alcyon

7/13/2026Pt. Reyes--Drakes Beach (DO NOT INCLUDE Horseshoe Pond or beach/estero beyond Horseshoe Pond)1 observed

Orange-crowned Warbler (lutescens)

Leiothlypis celata

7/13/2026Pt. Reyes--New Willows1 observed

Western Flycatcher

Empidonax difficilis

7/13/2026Pt. Reyes--New Willows1 observed

Black-headed Grosbeak

Pheucticus melanocephalus

7/13/2026Fort Maley2 observed

Wood Duck

Aix sponsa

7/12/2026Golden Gate Park--Blue Heron Lake & Strawberry Hill1 observed

Least Sandpiper

Calidris minutilla

7/12/2026Pt. Reyes--Mendoza Ranch (B Ranch)8 observed

Pigeon Guillemot

Cepphus columba

7/12/2026Miller/Knox Regional Shoreline--Ferry Point2 observed

American White Pelican

Pelecanus erythrorhynchos

7/12/2026Pt. Reyes--Horseshoe Pond22 observed

Spotted Towhee

Pipilo maculatus

7/12/2026Pt. Reyes--Drakes Beach (DO NOT INCLUDE Horseshoe Pond or beach/estero beyond Horseshoe Pond)1 observed

Bank Swallow

Riparia riparia

7/12/2026Lake Merced--Concrete Bridge area1 observed

Elegant Tern

Thalasseus elegans

7/11/2026Gulf of the Farallones (SF Co.)4 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

117/11/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

17/11/2026

Killdeer

17/11/2026

Long-billed Curlew

157/11/2026

Western Gull

207/11/2026

Caspian Tern

5007/11/2026

Brandt's Cormorant

17/11/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

17/11/2026

Snowy Egret

47/11/2026

Great Egret

37/11/2026

Great Blue Heron

17/11/2026

Acorn Woodpecker

17/11/2026

Nuttall's Woodpecker

47/11/2026

Western Flycatcher

17/11/2026

Black Phoebe

27/11/2026

American Crow

207/11/2026

Chestnut-backed Chickadee

27/11/2026

Barn Swallow

57/11/2026

Bewick's Wren

17/11/2026

House Finch

17/11/2026

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.