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

Loading map...

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

Rhinoceros Auklet

Cerorhinca monocerata

6/2/2026Lands End, San Francisco US-CA 37.78010, -122.510262 observed

Ash-throated Flycatcher

Myiarchus cinerascens

6/2/2026Fort Mason1 observed

Red-throated Loon

Gavia stellata

6/2/2026Yerba Buena Island / Treasure Island1 observed

Scaly-breasted Munia

Lonchura punctulata

6/2/2026Pine Lake Park & Stern Grove2 observed

Wood Duck

Aix sponsa

6/1/2026Golden Gate Park--Blue Heron Lake & Strawberry Hill1 observed

Purple Martin

Progne subis

6/1/2026Trousdale @ 2803 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

6/1/2026Pacifica Yard List1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

6/1/2026Golden Gate Park--North Lake1 observed

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Setophaga coronata

6/1/2026San Bruno Mountain Park1 observed

Brant

Branta bernicla

6/1/2026MLK Jr. Regional Shoreline--New Marsh/San Leandro Creek1 observed

Cackling Goose

Branta hutchinsii

6/1/2026MLK Jr. Regional Shoreline2 observed

Surfbird

Calidris virgata

6/1/2026Ocean Beach-- across from Oceanside Water Polution Plant (FOR STATIONARY SEAWATCH ONLY)2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

25/30/2026

Mourning Dove

15/30/2026

Long-billed Curlew

15/30/2026

Black Skimmer

65/30/2026

Caspian Tern

65/30/2026

Forster's Tern

305/30/2026

Elegant Tern

105/30/2026

Snowy Egret

15/30/2026

American Crow

45/30/2026

Osprey

15/30/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

15/30/2026

Hudsonian Whimbrel

15/30/2026

California Gull

35/30/2026

Great Egret

15/30/2026

Brown Pelican

25/30/2026

House Finch

35/30/2026

Rock Pigeon

15/24/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

15/24/2026

Chestnut-backed Chickadee

15/24/2026

House Sparrow

15/24/2026

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.