Half Moon Bay SB - Venice Beach and Pilarcitos/Frenchman's Creek Mouth

California · Southwest

ModerateView on eBird Directions

Habitat

CoastalRiver/Riparian

Best Seasons

Fall Winter Spring

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Half Moon Bay SB - Venice Beach and Pilarcitos/Frenchman's Creek Mouth is a productive birding destination in California, with 264 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and river/riparian habitat attracts Mallard, Surf Scoter, and Bufflehead among many others. The unique desert and riparian habitats support specialty species alongside wintering and migrating birds.

Location

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Notable Species

Mallard Surf Scoter Bufflehead Rock Pigeon Mourning Dove

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Golden Eagle

Aquila chrysaetos

4/17/2026Audubon Williams Sisters Ranch (restricted access)1 observed

Chipping Sparrow

Spizella passerina

4/17/2026La Honda Creek OSP (lower)1 observed

Orchard Oriole

Icterus spurius

4/16/2026309 23rd Ave, San Mateo US-CA (37.5440,-122.3118)1 observed

Swainson's Thrush

Catharus ustulatus

4/16/2026Quarry Park1 observed

Lark Sparrow

Chondestes grammacus

4/16/2026La Honda Creek OSP (lower)1 observed

Short-billed Dowitcher

Limnodromus griseus

4/16/2026Ocean Beach-- across from Oceanside Water Polution Plant (FOR STATIONARY SEAWATCH ONLY)1 observed

Red-necked Phalarope

Phalaropus lobatus

4/16/2026Ocean Beach-- across from Oceanside Water Polution Plant (FOR STATIONARY SEAWATCH ONLY)2 observed

Ruddy Turnstone

Arenaria interpres

4/15/2026San Francisquito Creek Mouth (SCL Co.)1 observed

Harlequin Duck

Histrionicus histrionicus

4/15/2026Harborview Park and Freshwater Marsh - CBA 100371 observed

Great-tailed Grackle

Quiscalus mexicanus

4/14/2026Phelps Slough1 observed

Common Gallinule

Gallinula galeata

4/13/2026Lake Merced--Concrete Bridge area1 observed

Bald Eagle

Haliaeetus leucocephalus

4/13/2026Heron's Head Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

64/15/2026

Surf Scoter

44/15/2026

Killdeer

24/15/2026

Hudsonian Whimbrel

224/15/2026

Bonaparte's Gull

14/15/2026

Heermann's Gull

34/15/2026

Western Gull

324/15/2026

American Herring Gull

44/15/2026

California Gull

804/15/2026

Glaucous-winged Gull

64/15/2026

Caspian Tern

44/15/2026

Brandt's Cormorant

124/15/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

24/15/2026

Great Blue Heron

14/15/2026

Brown Pelican

184/15/2026

American Crow

54/15/2026

Tree Swallow

24/15/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

24/15/2026

Barn Swallow

84/15/2026

House Finch

44/15/2026

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

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California Birding Guide

Complete guide to birding in California →

Birding Guides

Fall Bird Migration Guide

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Understanding Bird Migration

12 min read

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Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Half Moon Bay SB - Venice Beach and Pilarcitos/Frenchman's Creek Mouth for birding?▼

The best months to visit Half Moon Bay SB - Venice Beach and Pilarcitos/Frenchman's Creek Mouth for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.

What birds can I see at Half Moon Bay SB - Venice Beach and Pilarcitos/Frenchman's Creek Mouth?▼

Notable species at Half Moon Bay SB - Venice Beach and Pilarcitos/Frenchman's Creek Mouth include Mallard, Surf Scoter, Bufflehead, Rock Pigeon, Mourning Dove. The area supports coastal, river/riparian habitats.

How difficult is birding at Half Moon Bay SB - Venice Beach and Pilarcitos/Frenchman's Creek Mouth?▼

Birding at Half Moon Bay SB - Venice Beach and Pilarcitos/Frenchman's Creek Mouth is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.

What amenities are available at Half Moon Bay SB - Venice Beach and Pilarcitos/Frenchman's Creek Mouth?▼

Half Moon Bay SB - Venice Beach and Pilarcitos/Frenchman's Creek Mouth offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.