Desert birding habitat

Fitzgerald Marine Reserve

California · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Fitzgerald Marine Reserve is a productive birding destination in California, with 259 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Red-breasted Merganser, Anna's Hummingbird, and Brandt's Cormorant 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

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

5/27/2026Pacifica Yard List1 observed

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Pheucticus ludovicianus

5/27/2026Burleigh Murray SP1 observed

Hermit Thrush

Catharus guttatus

5/27/2026Tofoni Trail — Woodside SW2 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

5/27/2026Golden Gate Park, San Francisco US-CA 37.76959, -122.494801 observed

Bank Swallow

Riparia riparia

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

Chipping Sparrow

Spizella passerina

5/27/2026Home1 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

Rhinoceros Auklet

Cerorhinca monocerata

5/26/2026Sutro Baths--seawatch1 observed

Gadwall

Mareca strepera

5/26/2026Pier 94--salt marsh restoration1 observed

Willow Flycatcher

Empidonax traillii

5/26/2026UBIF official use only lobos creek1 observed

Purple Martin

Progne subis

5/26/2026Inner Richmond NFC Station1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Anna's Hummingbird

15/26/2026

Allen's Hummingbird

25/26/2026

Bonaparte's Gull

75/26/2026

Western Gull

105/26/2026

Caspian Tern

25/26/2026

Brandt's Cormorant

25/26/2026

Brown Pelican

75/26/2026

Black Phoebe

15/26/2026

American Crow

125/26/2026

Common Raven

35/26/2026

Chestnut-backed Chickadee

35/26/2026

Violet-green Swallow

15/26/2026

Pygmy Nuthatch

15/26/2026

Bewick's Wren

15/26/2026

Swainson's Thrush

15/26/2026

American Robin

25/26/2026

House Finch

35/26/2026

Purple Finch

15/26/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

85/26/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

25/26/2026

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 Fitzgerald Marine Reserve for birding?
The best months to visit Fitzgerald Marine Reserve for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Fitzgerald Marine Reserve?
Notable species at Fitzgerald Marine Reserve include Red-breasted Merganser, Anna's Hummingbird, Brandt's Cormorant, Brown Pelican, Red-tailed Hawk. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at Fitzgerald Marine Reserve?
Birding at Fitzgerald Marine Reserve is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Fitzgerald Marine Reserve?
Fitzgerald Marine Reserve offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.