Corte Madera Marsh

California · Southwest

ModerateView on eBird Directions

Habitat

Wetland

Best Seasons

Fall Winter Spring

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Corte Madera Marsh is a productive birding destination in California, with 228 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, and American Wigeon among many others. The unique desert and riparian habitats support specialty species alongside wintering and migrating birds.

Location

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Notable Species

Northern Shoveler Gadwall American Wigeon Mallard Green-winged Teal

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Hermit Thrush

Catharus guttatus

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

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

5/27/2026Golden Gate Park, San Francisco US-CA 37.76959, -122.494801 observed

Bank Swallow

Riparia riparia

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

Dunlin

Calidris alpina

5/26/2026Lone Tree Point4 observed

Western Sandpiper

Calidris mauri

5/26/2026Lone Tree Point20 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

Ash-throated Flycatcher

Myiarchus cinerascens

5/26/2026Presidio--El Polin Springs & Inspiration Point1 observed

Rhinoceros Auklet

Cerorhinca monocerata

5/26/2026Sutro Baths--seawatch1 observed

Black-and-white Warbler

Mniotilta varia

5/26/2026Presidio--El Polin Springs & Inspiration Point1 observed

Gadwall

Mareca strepera

5/26/2026Pier 94--salt marsh restoration1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

15/27/2026

Gadwall

65/27/2026

Mallard

45/27/2026

Black-necked Stilt

65/27/2026

California Gull

15/27/2026

Caspian Tern

55/27/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

15/27/2026

Snowy Egret

65/27/2026

Great Egret

35/27/2026

Turkey Vulture

15/27/2026

American Crow

15/27/2026

Tree Swallow

15/27/2026

Cliff Swallow

15/27/2026

Bushtit

25/27/2026

House Finch

15/27/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

25/27/2026

Song Sparrow

15/27/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

15/27/2026

Bonaparte's Gull

25/26/2026

Ring-billed Gull

25/26/2026

Birding Tips

1
Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.
2
Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.
3
Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.

Amenities

Parking

Trails

More in California

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California Birding Guide

Complete guide to birding in California →

Birding Guides

Fall Bird Migration Guide

10 min read

Understanding Bird Migration

12 min read

Spring Birding in New York City

12 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Corte Madera Marsh for birding?▼

The best months to visit Corte Madera Marsh for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.

What birds can I see at Corte Madera Marsh?▼

Notable species at Corte Madera Marsh include Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, American Wigeon, Mallard, Green-winged Teal. The area supports wetland habitats.

How difficult is birding at Corte Madera Marsh?▼

Birding at Corte Madera Marsh is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.

What amenities are available at Corte Madera Marsh?▼

Corte Madera Marsh offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.