Desert birding habitat

Giacomini Wetlands

California · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Giacomini Wetlands is a productive birding destination in California, with 234 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and Eurasian Collared-Dove 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

Black Scoter

Melanitta americana

7/13/2026Pt. Reyes--Drakes Beach (DO NOT INCLUDE Horseshoe Pond or beach/estero beyond Horseshoe Pond)1 observed

Orange-crowned Warbler (lutescens)

Leiothlypis celata

7/13/2026Pt. Reyes--New Willows1 observed

Western Flycatcher

Empidonax difficilis

7/13/2026Pt. Reyes--New Willows1 observed

Lesser Goldfinch

Spinus psaltria

7/13/2026Pt. Reyes--Lighthouse1 observed

American Robin

Turdus migratorius

7/13/2026Pt. Reyes--Lighthouse1 observed

Least Sandpiper

Calidris minutilla

7/12/2026Pt. Reyes--Mendoza Ranch (B Ranch)8 observed

American White Pelican

Pelecanus erythrorhynchos

7/12/2026Pt. Reyes--Horseshoe Pond22 observed

Wrentit

Chamaea fasciata

7/12/2026Pt. Reyes--Drakes Beach (DO NOT INCLUDE Horseshoe Pond or beach/estero beyond Horseshoe Pond)1 observed

Spotted Towhee

Pipilo maculatus

7/12/2026Pt. Reyes--Drakes Beach (DO NOT INCLUDE Horseshoe Pond or beach/estero beyond Horseshoe Pond)1 observed

California Scrub-Jay

Aphelocoma californica

7/11/2026Drakes monument, Inverness US-CA 38.02899, -122.962081 observed

Red-necked Phalarope

Phalaropus lobatus

7/11/2026Pt. Reyes--Drakes Beach (DO NOT INCLUDE Horseshoe Pond or beach/estero beyond Horseshoe Pond)1 observed

Belted Kingfisher

Megaceryle alcyon

7/11/2026Pt. Reyes--Drakes Beach (DO NOT INCLUDE Horseshoe Pond or beach/estero beyond Horseshoe Pond)2 observed

Grasshopper Sparrow

Ammodramus savannarum

7/11/2026Pt. Reyes--Mendoza Ranch (B Ranch)2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Turkey Vulture

17/12/2026

Black Phoebe

47/12/2026

American Crow

27/12/2026

Chestnut-backed Chickadee

17/12/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

17/12/2026

Barn Swallow

47/12/2026

Cliff Swallow

17/12/2026

Bewick's Wren

17/12/2026

Western Bluebird

27/12/2026

Pine Siskin

37/12/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

17/12/2026

American Goldfinch

17/12/2026

Song Sparrow

37/12/2026

Common Yellowthroat

17/12/2026

Mourning Dove

17/11/2026

American White Pelican

107/11/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

17/11/2026

California Scrub-Jay

17/11/2026

Bushtit

87/11/2026

Wrentit

17/11/2026

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 Giacomini Wetlands for birding?
The best months to visit Giacomini Wetlands for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Giacomini Wetlands?
Notable species at Giacomini Wetlands include Canada Goose, Mallard, Eurasian Collared-Dove, Anna's Hummingbird, Allen's Hummingbird. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at Giacomini Wetlands?
Birding at Giacomini Wetlands is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Giacomini Wetlands?
Giacomini Wetlands offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.