Coastal birding habitat

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

California · Southwest

Habitat
CoastalRiver/Riparian
Best Seasons
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

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Great-tailed Grackle

Quiscalus mexicanus

7/18/2026Westlake Joe’s5 observed

Northern Gannet

Morus bassanus

7/18/2026Pillar Point Harbor1 observed

Least Tern

Sternula antillarum

7/18/2026Shorebird Park - Beach Park Blvd.5 observed

Purple Martin

Progne subis

7/18/2026Sawyer Camp Trail - CBA 100452 observed

Common Loon

Gavia immer

7/18/2026Candlestick Pt. State Rec. Area - long traveling lists - use specific hotspot where appropriate2 observed

Bell's Sparrow

Artemisiospiza belli

7/17/2026Montara Mountain--upper mountain1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

67/18/2026

Mallard

157/18/2026

California Quail

27/18/2026

Rock Pigeon

87/18/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

27/18/2026

Mourning Dove

87/18/2026

Killdeer

37/18/2026

Heermann's Gull

107/18/2026

Western Gull

207/18/2026

California Gull

47/18/2026

Caspian Tern

47/18/2026

Elegant Tern

507/18/2026

Brandt's Cormorant

87/18/2026

Brown Pelican

257/18/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

17/18/2026

Northern Flicker

17/18/2026

Black Phoebe

27/18/2026

Hutton's Vireo

17/18/2026

California Scrub-Jay

27/18/2026

American Crow

47/18/2026

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 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.