Hawk Hill

California · Southwest

ModerateView on eBird Directions

Habitat

DesertChaparral

Best Seasons

Fall Winter Spring

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

Mallard Ring-necked Duck Common Goldeneye Red-breasted Merganser Western Gull

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Ash-throated Flycatcher

Myiarchus cinerascens

5/29/2026Bernal Hill1 observed

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Pheucticus ludovicianus

5/29/2026Pt. Reyes Bird Observatory--Palomarin1 observed

Wood Duck

Aix sponsa

5/29/2026Golden Gate Park--Blue Heron Lake & Strawberry Hill1 observed

Masked Booby

Sula dactylatra

5/28/2026Gulf of the Farallones (SF Co.)1 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

5/28/2026Pacifica Yard List1 observed

American Kestrel

Falco sparverius

5/28/2026Pier 94--salt marsh restoration1 observed

Gadwall

Mareca strepera

5/28/2026Pier 94--salt marsh restoration1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

5/28/2026Muir Beach--includes beach, Redwood Creek riparian corridor, Green Gulch1 observed

Hooded Warbler

Setophaga citrina

5/28/2026Green Gulch Zen Center, Zendo, Zendo Pond & Gardens Area1 observed

Hermit Thrush

Catharus guttatus

5/27/2026Crown Road Area — Baltimore Canyon OSP1 observed

Brant

Branta bernicla

5/27/2026MLK Jr. Regional Shoreline1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

California Quail

5/26/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

5/26/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

25/25/2026

Peregrine Falcon

15/25/2026

California Scrub-Jay

15/25/2026

Bewick's Wren

15/25/2026

Western Bluebird

15/25/2026

American Robin

15/25/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

35/25/2026

Spotted Towhee

15/25/2026

Common Raven

15/23/2026

White-throated Swift

55/16/2026

Turkey Vulture

95/16/2026

Wrentit

25/16/2026

House Finch

15/16/2026

Song Sparrow

15/16/2026

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

More in California

Salton Sea

Desert oasis lake critical for Pacific Flyway shorebirds despite environmental challenges.

Point Reyes National Seashore

Pacific Coast peninsula with 490+ species and a magnet for rare vagrants.

Mono Lake

Ancient saline lake with millions of migratory birds and surreal tufa towers.

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 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.