Hamilton Wetlands

California · Southwest

ModerateView on eBird Directions

Habitat

DesertChaparral

Best Seasons

Fall Winter Spring

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Hamilton Wetlands is a productive birding destination in California, with 222 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Mute Swan, Cinnamon Teal, and Northern Shoveler among many others. The unique desert and riparian habitats support specialty species alongside wintering and migrating birds.

Location

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Notable Species

Mute Swan Cinnamon Teal Northern Shoveler Gadwall American Wigeon

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Red-naped Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus nuchalis

7/20/2026Your moms house1 observed

Ruddy Turnstone

Arenaria interpres

7/20/2026San Pablo Bay NWR--Hwy 37 Pullout/Cullinan Ranch Trail2 observed

Red-throated Loon

Gavia stellata

7/20/2026Presidio--Crissy Field Lagoon1 observed

Least Bittern

Botaurus exilis

7/20/2026Las Gallinas Valley Sanitary District2 observed

Cackling Goose

Branta hutchinsii

7/20/2026Ellis Creek Water Recycling Facility1 observed

Snowy Plover

Anarhynchus nivosus

7/20/2026Pt. Pinole Regional Park1 observed

Short-billed Dowitcher

Limnodromus griseus

7/20/2026Presidio--Crissy Field Lagoon2 observed

Common Murre

Uria aalge

7/20/2026South Richmond Marshes (Stege, Hoffman) and Meeker Slough1 observed

Least Tern

Sternula antillarum

7/19/2026Pt. Pinole Regional Park1 observed

American Herring Gull

Larus smithsonianus

7/19/2026San Pablo Bay NWR-- Tern Island1 observed

Black Skimmer

Rynchops niger

7/18/2026San Pablo Bay NWR-- Tern Island1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Gadwall

17/20/2026

Rock Pigeon

57/20/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

27/20/2026

American Avocet

757/20/2026

Black-bellied Plover

207/20/2026

Long-billed Curlew

207/20/2026

Willet

107/20/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

87/20/2026

Least Sandpiper

127/20/2026

Ring-billed Gull

17/20/2026

Snowy Egret

47/20/2026

American White Pelican

27/20/2026

Turkey Vulture

27/20/2026

American Crow

47/20/2026

Common Raven

37/20/2026

Barn Swallow

27/20/2026

Cliff Swallow

27/20/2026

Western Bluebird

27/20/2026

House Finch

27/20/2026

Brewer's Blackbird

147/20/2026

Birding Tips

1
Start birding at dawn when desert birds are most active before the heat.
2
Check around water sources, which concentrate desert species.
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

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 Hamilton Wetlands for birding?▼

The best months to visit Hamilton Wetlands for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.

What birds can I see at Hamilton Wetlands?▼

Notable species at Hamilton Wetlands include Mute Swan, Cinnamon Teal, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, American Wigeon. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.

How difficult is birding at Hamilton Wetlands?▼

Birding at Hamilton Wetlands is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.

What amenities are available at Hamilton Wetlands?▼

Hamilton Wetlands offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.