Hawk Hill

California · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Hawk Hill is a productive birding destination in California, with 215 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Mallard, Ring-necked Duck, and Common Goldeneye 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

Williamson's Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus thyroideus

3/5/2026UC Berkeley1 observed

Black Skimmer

Rynchops niger

3/5/2026South Richmond Marshes (Stege, Hoffman) and Meeker Slough17 observed

Harris's Sparrow

Zonotrichia querula

3/5/2026Santa Venetia Marsh Preserve1 observed

Tropical Kingbird

Tyrannus melancholicus

3/5/2026Amador Street - fennel/willow patch and adjoining fields 37.74489, -122.379561 observed

Common Tern

Sterna hirundo

3/5/2026Ballena Bay1 observed

Common Murre

Uria aalge

3/5/2026Cesar Chavez Park1 observed

Blackburnian Warbler

Setophaga fusca

3/5/2026Sunset Blvd. at Quintara St. intersection and vicinity1 observed

Nashville Warbler

Leiothlypis ruficapilla

3/5/2026Booker T Anderson Park1 observed

Red-necked Grebe

Podiceps grisegena

3/5/2026707 W Hornet Ave, Alameda US-CA 37.77285, -122.300701 observed

Black-and-white Warbler

Mniotilta varia

3/5/2026Golden Gate Park--Hippie Hill & Tennis Complex1 observed

Hermit Warbler

Setophaga occidentalis

3/5/2026Golden Gate Park--Hippie Hill & Tennis Complex1 observed

Wilson's Warbler

Cardellina pusilla

3/5/2026Golden Gate Park--Arboretum (San Francisco Botanical Garden)1 observed

Western Tanager

Piranga ludoviciana

3/5/2026McKinley Square1 observed

Dark-eyed Junco (cismontanus)

Junco hyemalis

3/5/2026Fort Maley1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

23/1/2026

Ring-necked Duck

53/1/2026

Common Goldeneye

43/1/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

13/1/2026

Western Gull

73/1/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

23/1/2026

Great Egret

13/1/2026

Great Blue Heron

13/1/2026

Wrentit

13/1/2026

Western Bluebird

63/1/2026

Song Sparrow

53/1/2026

California Towhee

23/1/2026

Turkey Vulture

13/1/2026

Common Raven

33/1/2026

Spotted Towhee

43/1/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

13/1/2026

Bewick's Wren

13/1/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

23/1/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

13/1/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

12/28/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Start birding at dawn when desert birds are most active before the heat.

  2. 2

    Check around water sources, which concentrate desert species.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Hawk Hill for birding?
The best months to visit Hawk Hill for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Hawk Hill?
Notable species at Hawk Hill include Mallard, Ring-necked Duck, Common Goldeneye, Red-breasted Merganser, Western Gull. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at Hawk Hill?
Birding at Hawk Hill is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Hawk Hill?
Hawk Hill offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.