Desert birding habitat

Hayward Regional Shoreline

California · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Hayward Regional Shoreline is a productive birding destination in California, with 293 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Cackling Goose, Canada Goose, 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

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Pectoral Sandpiper

Calidris melanotos

7/20/2026Don Edwards NWR--entrance road (Grand Blvd.) between tracks and gate1 observed

Brant

Branta bernicla

7/20/2026MLK Jr. Regional Shoreline1 observed

Cackling Goose

Branta hutchinsii

7/20/2026MLK Jr. Regional Shoreline1 observed

Song Sparrow (pusillula)

Melospiza melodia

7/20/2026Don Edwards NWR--Ravenswood Salt Ponds R1/R26 observed

Short-billed Gull

Larus brachyrhynchus

7/19/2026Elsie Roemer Bird Sanctuary1 observed

Blue-winged Teal

Spatula discors

7/19/2026Don Edwards NWR--entrance road (Grand Blvd.) between tracks and gate1 observed

American Wigeon

Mareca americana

7/19/2026Don Edwards NWR--entrance road (Grand Blvd.) between tracks and gate1 observed

Red Knot

Calidris canutus

7/19/2026Salt Pond A93 observed

Elegant Tern

Thalasseus elegans

7/19/2026Stevens Creek delta1 observed

Western Gull

Larus occidentalis

7/19/2026Stevens Creek delta2 observed

Least Tern

Sternula antillarum

7/19/2026Heron's Head Park5 observed

Wilson's Snipe

Gallinago delicata

7/19/2026Coyote Hills Regional Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Wild Turkey

147/19/2026

Rock Pigeon

207/19/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

17/19/2026

Black Oystercatcher

27/19/2026

Black-bellied Plover

207/19/2026

Semipalmated Plover

157/19/2026

Snowy Plover

77/19/2026

Long-billed Curlew

27/19/2026

Marbled Godwit

257/19/2026

Willet

757/19/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

17/19/2026

Least Sandpiper

37/19/2026

California Gull

77/19/2026

Forster's Tern

107/19/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

17/19/2026

Snowy Egret

47/19/2026

Great Egret

27/19/2026

Turkey Vulture

17/19/2026

White-tailed Kite

17/19/2026

Barn Swallow

157/19/2026

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 Hayward Regional Shoreline for birding?
The best months to visit Hayward Regional Shoreline for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Hayward Regional Shoreline?
Notable species at Hayward Regional Shoreline include Cackling Goose, Canada Goose, Northern Shoveler, American Wigeon, Mallard. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at Hayward Regional Shoreline?
Birding at Hayward Regional Shoreline is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Hayward Regional Shoreline?
Hayward Regional Shoreline offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.