Don Edwards National Wildlife Refuge

California · Southwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Don Edwards National Wildlife Refuge is a productive birding destination in California, with 224 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Mallard, Ruddy Duck, and Western Gull 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

Tufted Duck

Aythya fuligula

3/5/2026Oracle Pond (pond area only) along Marine Pkwy1 observed

Eurasian Wigeon

Mareca penelope

3/5/2026Belmont Slough--slough along Oracle Pkwy and area behind Oracle1 observed

Sanderling

Calidris alba

3/5/2026Salt Pond A121 observed

Harlequin Duck

Histrionicus histrionicus

3/5/20261315 Coyote Point Drive, San Mateo, California, US (37.592, -122.315)1 observed

Cassin's Kingbird

Tyrannus vociferans

3/5/2026Pacific Commons Linear Park2 observed

Blue-winged Teal x Northern Shoveler (hybrid)

Spatula discors x clypeata

3/5/2026Palo Alto Baylands1 observed

Northern Yellow Warbler

Setophaga aestiva

3/4/2026Harborview Park, San Mateo US-CA 37.58068, -122.314141 observed

Pacific Golden-Plover

Pluvialis fulva

3/4/2026Don Edwards NWR--Pond A161 observed

Black-headed Grosbeak

Pheucticus melanocephalus

3/4/2026Loop trail1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

72/28/2026

Ruddy Duck

502/28/2026

Western Gull

122/28/2026

California Gull

172/28/2026

Eared Grebe

102/28/2026

Snowy Egret

32/28/2026

American Crow

12/28/2026

Bewick's Wren

12/28/2026

Golden-crowned Sparrow

12/28/2026

Song Sparrow

32/28/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

12/25/2026

California Towhee

12/25/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

22/23/2026

Willet

42/23/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

12/23/2026

Say's Phoebe

12/23/2026

California Scrub-Jay

22/23/2026

Common Raven

12/23/2026

Northern Shoveler

1902/20/2026

Green-winged Teal

122/20/2026

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 Don Edwards National Wildlife Refuge for birding?
The best months to visit Don Edwards National Wildlife Refuge for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Don Edwards National Wildlife Refuge?
Notable species at Don Edwards National Wildlife Refuge include Mallard, Ruddy Duck, Western Gull, California Gull, Eared Grebe. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Don Edwards National Wildlife Refuge?
Birding at Don Edwards National Wildlife Refuge is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Don Edwards National Wildlife Refuge?
Don Edwards National Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.