Desert birding habitat

Hawk Hill

California · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
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

Short-billed Dowitcher

Limnodromus griseus

7/14/2026Presidio--Crissy Field Lagoon1 observed

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Setophaga coronata

7/14/2026Presidio--Robb Hill-east side eucalyptus forest1 observed

Cackling Goose

Branta hutchinsii

7/14/2026MLK Jr. Regional Shoreline--Arrowhead Marsh1 observed

White-breasted Nuthatch

Sitta carolinensis

7/14/2026Fort Mason1 observed

Red-throated Loon

Gavia stellata

7/14/2026Ocean Beach-- across from Oceanside Water Polution Plant (FOR STATIONARY SEAWATCH ONLY)1 observed

Common Loon

Gavia immer

7/14/2026Ocean Beach-- across from Oceanside Water Polution Plant (FOR STATIONARY SEAWATCH ONLY)13 observed

Hooded Warbler

Setophaga citrina

7/14/2026Laguna Honda - includes canyon along Clarendon, hillside east of Laguna Honda Blvd and hospital grounds1 observed

Brant

Branta bernicla

7/13/2026MLK Jr. Regional Shoreline--Arrowhead Marsh1 observed

Bank Swallow

Riparia riparia

7/13/2026San Francisco County--Bank Swallow Colony - Ocean Beach/Fort Funston2 observed

Red Crossbill

Loxia curvirostra

7/13/2026Presidio--El Polin Springs & Inspiration Point1 observed

Allen's Hummingbird

Selasphorus sasin

7/13/2026Tilden Regional Park--Botanic Garden2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Brown Pelican

107/10/2026

Common Raven

17/10/2026

Bewick's Wren

17/10/2026

Western Bluebird

27/10/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

27/10/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

17/10/2026

Spotted Towhee

27/10/2026

California Quail

27/5/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

17/5/2026

California Scrub-Jay

17/5/2026

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.