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

Black Swift

Cypseloides niger

5/30/2026Half Moon Bay SB--Sweetwood Camp and Dunes Beach to Young Ave.1 observed

Golden Eagle

Aquila chrysaetos

5/30/20264802–4952 Cloverdale Rd, Pescadero US-CA 37.24257, -122.366191 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

5/30/2026Pacifica Yard List1 observed

Redhead

Aythya americana

5/30/2026Emily Renzel Wetlands1 observed

Hermit Thrush

Catharus guttatus

5/30/2026El Corte De Madera Creek OSP1 observed

Red-breasted Nuthatch

Sitta canadensis

5/30/2026El Corte De Madera Creek OSP1 observed

Varied Thrush

Ixoreus naevius

5/30/2026Tunitas Creek Road 111 observed

Chipping Sparrow

Spizella passerina

5/30/2026Laurelwood Park/Sugarloaf Mtn.1 observed

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

5/30/2026Fort Maley1 observed

Northern Yellow Warbler

Setophaga aestiva

5/30/2026Stage Rd.(south) North St. to Pomponio Creek Rd.1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

55/28/2026

Mallard

235/28/2026

Surf Scoter

505/28/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

15/28/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

25/28/2026

Allen's Hummingbird

15/28/2026

Killdeer

15/28/2026

Sanderling

15/28/2026

Western Sandpiper

15/28/2026

Bonaparte's Gull

25/28/2026

Western Gull

1505/28/2026

American Herring Gull

25/28/2026

California Gull

205/28/2026

Glaucous-winged Gull

25/28/2026

Caspian Tern

365/28/2026

Elegant Tern

205/28/2026

Western Grebe

155/28/2026

Red-throated Loon

15/28/2026

Pacific Loon

25/28/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

15/28/2026

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.