Desert birding habitat

Elsie Roemer Bird Sanctuary

California · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Elsie Roemer Bird Sanctuary is a productive birding destination in California, with 202 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts American Wigeon, Mallard, and Northern Pintail 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

Short-billed Gull

Larus brachyrhynchus

7/19/2026Elsie Roemer Bird Sanctuary1 observed

Allen's Hummingbird

Selasphorus sasin

7/19/2026Golden Gate Park--Blue Heron Lake & Strawberry Hill3 observed

Least Tern

Sternula antillarum

7/19/2026Pt. Pinole Regional Park1 observed

Green-tailed Towhee

Pipilo chlorurus

7/19/2026Thornton SB1 observed

Wilson's Snipe

Gallinago delicata

7/19/2026Coyote Hills Regional Park1 observed

Wood Duck

Aix sponsa

7/19/2026Golden Gate Park--Blue Heron Lake & Strawberry Hill2 observed

Black-throated Gray Warbler

Setophaga nigrescens

7/19/2026Tilden Regional Park--Vollmer Peak1 observed

Pacific Loon

Gavia pacifica

7/19/2026Ocean Beach-- across from Oceanside Water Polution Plant (FOR STATIONARY SEAWATCH ONLY)1 observed

Common Loon

Gavia immer

7/19/2026Ocean Beach-- across from Oceanside Water Polution Plant (FOR STATIONARY SEAWATCH ONLY)5 observed

Great-tailed Grackle

Quiscalus mexicanus

7/18/2026Westlake Joe’s5 observed

Cackling Goose

Branta hutchinsii

7/18/2026MLK Jr. Regional Shoreline--Arrowhead Marsh1 observed

Brant

Branta bernicla

7/18/2026MLK Jr. Regional Shoreline--Arrowhead Marsh1 observed

Purple Martin

Progne subis

7/18/2026Sawyer Camp Trail - CBA 100452 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Black-bellied Plover

17/19/2026

Semipalmated Plover

67/19/2026

Hudsonian Whimbrel

27/19/2026

Long-billed Curlew

37/19/2026

Marbled Godwit

127/19/2026

Willet

17/19/2026

Least Sandpiper

157/19/2026

Western Sandpiper

57/19/2026

Canada Goose

17/19/2026

Mallard

27/19/2026

Mourning Dove

37/19/2026

Ring-billed Gull

57/19/2026

California Gull

87/19/2026

Black Skimmer

27/19/2026

Caspian Tern

17/19/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

27/19/2026

Snowy Egret

117/19/2026

Black Phoebe

27/19/2026

American Crow

127/19/2026

House Sparrow

87/19/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Start birding at dawn when desert birds are most active before the heat.

  2. 2

    Check around water sources, which concentrate desert species.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Elsie Roemer Bird Sanctuary for birding?
The best months to visit Elsie Roemer Bird Sanctuary for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Elsie Roemer Bird Sanctuary?
Notable species at Elsie Roemer Bird Sanctuary include American Wigeon, Mallard, Northern Pintail, Anna's Hummingbird, Black-necked Stilt. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at Elsie Roemer Bird Sanctuary?
Birding at Elsie Roemer Bird Sanctuary is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Elsie Roemer Bird Sanctuary?
Elsie Roemer Bird Sanctuary offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.