Coastal birding habitat

Grizzly Island Wildlife Area

California · Southwest

Habitat
CoastalWetland
Best Seasons
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

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Common Loon

Gavia immer

5/29/20262385 Waterside Dr, Fairfield US-CA 38.29651, -121.95537 one Lake1 observed

Spotted Sandpiper

Actitis macularius

5/28/2026Waterbird Regional Preserve/McNabney Marsh1 observed

Dunlin

Calidris alpina

5/28/2026Lone Tree Point3 observed

Blue-winged Teal

Spatula discors

5/27/2026Pacheco Marsh--Pt. Edith Trail (TransMontaigne Pipeline Trail)2 observed

Western Sandpiper

Calidris mauri

5/26/2026Lone Tree Point20 observed

Hudsonian Whimbrel

Numenius hudsonicus

5/26/2026Napa-Sonoma Marshes WA--Green Island Unit1 observed

Hooded Merganser

Lophodytes cucullatus

5/26/2026American Canyon Wetlands1 observed

Hermit Thrush

Catharus guttatus

5/25/2026Mt. Diablo SP--Mitchell Canyon1 observed

Hammond's Flycatcher

Empidonax hammondii

5/25/2026Mt. Diablo SP--Mitchell Canyon1 observed

Calliope Hummingbird

Selasphorus calliope

5/25/2026Mt. Diablo SP--Mitchell Canyon1 observed

American Herring Gull

Larus smithsonianus

5/24/2026Waterbird Regional Preserve/McNabney Marsh1 observed

Long-billed Dowitcher

Limnodromus scolopaceus

5/23/2026Pacheco Marsh--Pt. Edith Trail (TransMontaigne Pipeline Trail)1 observed

Brown Pelican

Pelecanus occidentalis

5/23/2026Northern Sherman Island Levee Road1 observed

Rock Pigeon

Columba livia

5/22/2026Potrero Hills Landfill7 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Great Egret

15/21/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.

  2. 2

    Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.

  3. 3

    Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.

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.