Desert birding habitat

Emeryville Marina

California · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Emeryville Marina is a productive birding destination in California, with 211 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts American Crow, Greater Scaup, and American Coot 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

Hooded Warbler

Setophaga citrina

5/28/2026Green Gulch Zen Center, Zendo, Zendo Pond & Gardens Area1 observed

Blue-winged Teal

Spatula discors

5/27/2026Pacheco Marsh--Pt. Edith Trail (TransMontaigne Pipeline Trail)2 observed

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

Brant

Branta bernicla

5/27/2026MLK Jr. Regional Shoreline1 observed

Bank Swallow

Riparia riparia

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

Spotted Sandpiper

Actitis macularius

5/27/2026Lafayette Reservoir1 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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

155/23/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

15/23/2026

Western Gull

65/23/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

25/23/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

35/23/2026

Brown Pelican

25/23/2026

American Crow

65/23/2026

Barn Swallow

15/23/2026

European Starling

35/23/2026

House Finch

25/23/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

15/23/2026

Song Sparrow

35/23/2026

California Towhee

15/23/2026

Rock Pigeon

35/21/2026

Snowy Egret

15/21/2026

Black Phoebe

15/21/2026

Common Raven

15/21/2026

Mallard

25/20/2026

Mourning Dove

25/20/2026

California Gull

15/20/2026

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 Emeryville Marina for birding?
The best months to visit Emeryville Marina for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Emeryville Marina?
Notable species at Emeryville Marina include American Crow, Greater Scaup, American Coot, Black Oystercatcher, Greater Yellowlegs. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at Emeryville Marina?
Birding at Emeryville Marina is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Emeryville Marina?
Emeryville Marina offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.