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

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

Wood Duck

Aix sponsa

4/17/2026Golden Gate Park--Lloyd Lake1 observed

Bald Eagle

Haliaeetus leucocephalus

4/17/2026Pier 94--salt marsh restoration2 observed

Gadwall

Mareca strepera

4/17/2026Pier 94--salt marsh restoration2 observed

Golden Eagle

Aquila chrysaetos

4/17/2026Audubon Williams Sisters Ranch (restricted access)1 observed

Rufous Hummingbird

Selasphorus rufus

4/16/2026UBIF official use only mountain lake riparian1 observed

Orchard Oriole

Icterus spurius

4/16/2026309 23rd Ave, San Mateo US-CA (37.5440,-122.3118)1 observed

Swainson's Thrush

Catharus ustulatus

4/16/2026Quarry Park1 observed

Short-billed Dowitcher

Limnodromus griseus

4/16/2026Ocean Beach-- across from Oceanside Water Polution Plant (FOR STATIONARY SEAWATCH ONLY)1 observed

Red-necked Phalarope

Phalaropus lobatus

4/16/2026Ocean Beach-- across from Oceanside Water Polution Plant (FOR STATIONARY SEAWATCH ONLY)2 observed

Palm Warbler (Western)

Setophaga palmarum

4/15/2026Golden Gate Park--Bison Paddock1 observed

Harlequin Duck

Histrionicus histrionicus

4/15/2026Harborview Park and Freshwater Marsh - CBA 100371 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Red-breasted Merganser

104/16/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

14/16/2026

Western Gull

204/16/2026

Brown Pelican

44/16/2026

American Crow

34/16/2026

Brandt's Cormorant

4/14/2026

Common Raven

4/14/2026

Pygmy Nuthatch

4/14/2026

Bewick's Wren

4/14/2026

House Finch

4/14/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

4/14/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

4/14/2026

Song Sparrow

4/14/2026

Spotted Towhee

14/14/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

24/13/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

24/13/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

14/13/2026

Bushtit

14/13/2026

European Starling

54/13/2026

American Goldfinch

44/13/2026

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.