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

Great-tailed Grackle

Quiscalus mexicanus

7/18/2026Westlake Joe’s5 observed

Northern Gannet

Morus bassanus

7/18/2026Pillar Point Harbor1 observed

Least Tern

Sternula antillarum

7/18/2026Pier 94--salt marsh restoration3 observed

Purple Martin

Progne subis

7/18/2026Sawyer Camp Trail - CBA 100452 observed

Common Loon

Gavia immer

7/18/2026Candlestick Pt. State Rec. Area - long traveling lists - use specific hotspot where appropriate2 observed

Bell's Sparrow

Artemisiospiza belli

7/17/2026Montara Mountain--upper mountain1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Band-tailed Pigeon

27/18/2026

Black Oystercatcher

27/18/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

7/18/2026

Brown Pelican

7/18/2026

Great Blue Heron

17/18/2026

Mourning Dove

47/16/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

27/16/2026

Allen's Hummingbird

17/16/2026

Hudsonian Whimbrel

17/16/2026

Heermann's Gull

107/16/2026

Western Gull

157/16/2026

California Gull

107/16/2026

Glaucous-winged Gull

17/16/2026

Western Grebe

17/16/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

17/16/2026

Black Phoebe

57/16/2026

American Crow

47/16/2026

Common Raven

37/16/2026

Chestnut-backed Chickadee

87/16/2026

Bushtit

47/16/2026

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.