lake surrounded by green trees during foggy weather

Fort Mason

California · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open daily, sunrise to sunset

About This Location

Fort Mason is a productive birding destination in California, with 251 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Rock Pigeon, Anna's Hummingbird, and Allen's Hummingbird 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

Red Crossbill

Loxia curvirostra

7/13/2026Presidio--El Polin Springs & Inspiration Point1 observed

Allen's Hummingbird

Selasphorus sasin

7/13/2026Tilden Regional Park--Botanic Garden2 observed

Common Loon

Gavia immer

7/13/2026Heron's Head Park1 observed

Brant

Branta bernicla

7/13/2026MLK Jr. Regional Shoreline1 observed

Cackling Goose

Branta hutchinsii

7/13/2026MLK Jr. Regional Shoreline1 observed

Black-headed Grosbeak

Pheucticus melanocephalus

7/13/2026Fort Maley2 observed

Sharp-shinned Hawk

Accipiter striatus

7/13/2026Downtown Berkeley Neighborhood1 observed

Least Tern

Sternula antillarum

7/13/2026Warm Water Cove Park4 observed

Wood Duck

Aix sponsa

7/12/2026Golden Gate Park--Blue Heron Lake & Strawberry Hill1 observed

Pigeon Guillemot

Cepphus columba

7/12/2026Miller/Knox Regional Shoreline--Ferry Point2 observed

Greater Scaup

Aythya marila

7/12/2026Coyote Point County Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Rock Pigeon

17/12/2026

Mourning Dove

57/12/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

47/12/2026

Western Gull

2097/12/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

147/12/2026

Brown Pelican

227/12/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

17/12/2026

Nuttall's Woodpecker

17/12/2026

Red-masked Parakeet

27/12/2026

Black Phoebe

37/12/2026

California Scrub-Jay

37/12/2026

American Crow

27/12/2026

Tree Swallow

17/12/2026

Violet-green Swallow

17/12/2026

Barn Swallow

27/12/2026

Pygmy Nuthatch

37/12/2026

Brown Creeper

17/12/2026

Western Bluebird

47/12/2026

American Robin

47/12/2026

House Sparrow

57/12/2026

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.

  4. 4

    This urban green space acts as a migrant trap — birds concentrate here during migration, especially after overnight flights.

  5. 5

    Bring quality optics — a good pair of binoculars (8x42 or 10x42) makes all the difference in species identification.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Fort Mason for birding?
The best months to visit Fort Mason for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Fort Mason?
Notable species at Fort Mason include Rock Pigeon, Anna's Hummingbird, Allen's Hummingbird, Western Gull, Western Grebe, American Wigeon, Double-crested Cormorant, Turkey Vulture, Common Raven, American Crow, Oak Titmouse, Bewick's Wren. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at Fort Mason?
Birding at Fort Mason is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Fort Mason?
There is no entrance fee at Fort Mason. Hours: Open daily, sunrise to sunset.
What amenities are available at Fort Mason?
Fort Mason offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.