Elsie Roemer Bird Sanctuary

California · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
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

Williamson's Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus thyroideus

3/5/2026UC Berkeley1 observed

Black Skimmer

Rynchops niger

3/5/2026South Richmond Marshes (Stege, Hoffman) and Meeker Slough17 observed

Tufted Duck

Aythya fuligula

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

Black-throated Gray Warbler

Setophaga nigrescens

3/5/2026Lafayette Reservoir1 observed

Tropical Kingbird

Tyrannus melancholicus

3/5/2026Amador Street - fennel/willow patch and adjoining fields 37.74489, -122.379561 observed

Eurasian Wigeon

Mareca penelope

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

Harlequin Duck

Histrionicus histrionicus

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

Common Tern

Sterna hirundo

3/5/2026Ballena Bay1 observed

Common Murre

Uria aalge

3/5/2026Cesar Chavez Park1 observed

Blackburnian Warbler

Setophaga fusca

3/5/2026Sunset Blvd. at Quintara St. intersection and vicinity1 observed

Nashville Warbler

Leiothlypis ruficapilla

3/5/2026Booker T Anderson Park1 observed

Red-necked Grebe

Podiceps grisegena

3/5/2026707 W Hornet Ave, Alameda US-CA 37.77285, -122.300701 observed

Black-and-white Warbler

Mniotilta varia

3/5/2026Golden Gate Park--Hippie Hill & Tennis Complex1 observed

Hermit Warbler

Setophaga occidentalis

3/5/2026Golden Gate Park--Hippie Hill & Tennis Complex1 observed

Wilson's Warbler

Cardellina pusilla

3/5/2026Golden Gate Park--Arboretum (San Francisco Botanical Garden)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

American Wigeon

3/4/2026

Mallard

23/4/2026

Northern Pintail

3/4/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

13/4/2026

Black-necked Stilt

3/4/2026

American Avocet

3/4/2026

Black-bellied Plover

3/4/2026

Hudsonian Whimbrel

3/4/2026

Long-billed Curlew

3/4/2026

Marbled Godwit

3/4/2026

Willet

3/4/2026

Sanderling

3/4/2026

Dunlin

3/4/2026

Forster's Tern

3/4/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

33/4/2026

Snowy Egret

53/4/2026

American Crow

3/4/2026

Bushtit

3/4/2026

House Finch

3/4/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

23/4/2026

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.