Grizzly Island Wildlife Area

California · Southwest

ChallengingView on eBird Directions

Habitat

CoastalWetland

Best Seasons

Fall Winter Spring

Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Grizzly Island Wildlife Area is a productive birding destination in California, with 219 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and wetland habitat attracts Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, and American Wigeon among many others. The unique desert and riparian habitats support specialty species alongside wintering and migrating birds.

Location

Loading map...

Notable Species

Northern Shoveler Gadwall American Wigeon Mallard Green-winged Teal

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Wilson's Snipe

Gallinago delicata

7/20/2026Lagoon Valley Park and Pena Adobe Historical Area1 observed

Hermit Warbler

Setophaga occidentalis

7/19/2026Lagoon Valley Park and Pena Adobe Historical Area1 observed

Black-throated Gray Warbler

Setophaga nigrescens

7/19/2026Lagoon Valley Park and Pena Adobe Historical Area1 observed

Tricolored Blackbird

Agelaius tricolor

7/18/2026Jersey Island15 observed

Western Gull

Larus occidentalis

7/18/2026W Sherman Island Rd3 observed

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

7/17/2026Lagoon Valley Park and Pena Adobe Historical Area1 observed

Dunlin

Calidris alpina

7/16/2026San Pablo Bay NWR--"Alco Ponds"/South of Hwy 372 observed

Say's Phoebe

Sayornis saya

7/15/2026Newell Open Space1 observed

Yellow-headed Blackbird

Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus

7/13/2026Delta - Lookout Slough5 observed

Greater White-fronted Goose

Anser albifrons

7/8/2026Dover Park2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Black-necked Stilt

27/12/2026

Killdeer

27/12/2026

Great Egret

17/12/2026

Great Blue Heron

17/12/2026

American White Pelican

97/12/2026

Black Phoebe

17/12/2026

Western Kingbird

17/12/2026

Barn Swallow

17/12/2026

Cliff Swallow

7/12/2026

Marsh Wren

17/12/2026

Song Sparrow

17/12/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

7/12/2026

Great-tailed Grackle

27/12/2026

Birding Tips

1
Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.
2
Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.
3
Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.

Amenities

Parking

Trails

More in California

Salton Sea

Desert oasis lake critical for Pacific Flyway shorebirds despite environmental challenges.

Point Reyes National Seashore

Pacific Coast peninsula with 490+ species and a magnet for rare vagrants.

Mono Lake

Ancient saline lake with millions of migratory birds and surreal tufa towers.

California Birding Guide

Complete guide to birding in California →

Birding Guides

Fall Bird Migration Guide

10 min read

Understanding Bird Migration

12 min read

Spring Birding in New York City

12 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Grizzly Island Wildlife Area for birding?▼

The best months to visit Grizzly Island Wildlife Area for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.

What birds can I see at Grizzly Island Wildlife Area?▼

Notable species at Grizzly Island Wildlife Area include Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, American Wigeon, Mallard, Green-winged Teal. The area supports coastal, wetland habitats.

How difficult is birding at Grizzly Island Wildlife Area?▼

Birding at Grizzly Island Wildlife Area is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.

What amenities are available at Grizzly Island Wildlife Area?▼

Grizzly Island Wildlife Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.