A great blue heron portrait.

Heron's Head Park

California · Southwest

Habitat
Urban Park
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-May

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open daily, sunrise to sunset

About This Location

Heron's Head Park is a productive birding destination in California, with 212 species recorded on eBird. This urban park habitat attracts Canada Goose, American Wigeon, and Lesser Scaup 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

Hermit Thrush

Catharus guttatus

6/1/2026Cascade Canyon Open Space Preserve, Mill Valley US-CA 37.90948, -122.569611 observed

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Setophaga coronata

6/1/2026San Bruno Mountain Park1 observed

Brant

Branta bernicla

6/1/2026MLK Jr. Regional Shoreline--New Marsh/San Leandro Creek1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

6/1/2026Golden Gate Park--North Lake1 observed

Cackling Goose

Branta hutchinsii

6/1/2026MLK Jr. Regional Shoreline2 observed

Red-eyed Vireo

Vireo olivaceus

6/1/2026Lincoln Park--East Wash (SF Co.)1 observed

Spotted Sandpiper

Actitis macularius

5/31/2026EBMUD--Valle Vista Staging Area (permit required)1 observed

Bank Swallow

Riparia riparia

5/31/2026Lake Merced--Gun Club1 observed

Greater Scaup

Aythya marila

5/31/2026Nob Hill Pond--Market side of pond BBA Block San Mateo SE1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

155/31/2026

Rock Pigeon

165/31/2026

Black-necked Stilt

65/31/2026

Black Oystercatcher

35/31/2026

Killdeer

15/31/2026

Hudsonian Whimbrel

15/31/2026

Western Gull

205/31/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

35/31/2026

Snowy Egret

15/31/2026

Great Egret

15/31/2026

Great Blue Heron

15/31/2026

Brown Pelican

15/31/2026

American Crow

15/31/2026

Northern Mockingbird

15/31/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

65/31/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

15/31/2026

Mallard

25/27/2026

Common Murre

15/27/2026

California Gull

85/27/2026

Caspian Tern

15/27/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Visit at dawn for peak songbird activity before crowds arrive.

  2. 2

    Check flowering trees and berry-producing shrubs for seasonal migrants.

  3. 3

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

  4. 4

    Check eBird hotspot data before visiting to see recent sightings and what species are being reported.

  5. 5

    Bring quality optics — a good pair of binoculars (8x42 or 10x42) makes all the difference in species identification.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Heron's Head Park for birding?
The best months to visit Heron's Head Park for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Heron's Head Park?
Notable species at Heron's Head Park include Canada Goose, American Wigeon, Lesser Scaup, Bufflehead, Ruddy Duck, American Crow, Western Bluebird, Cedar Waxwing, Wild Turkey, Rock Pigeon, Mourning Dove, Turkey Vulture. The area supports urban park habitats.
How difficult is birding at Heron's Head Park?
Birding at Heron's Head Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
Is there an entrance fee at Heron's Head Park?
There is no entrance fee at Heron's Head Park. Hours: Open daily, sunrise to sunset.
What amenities are available at Heron's Head Park?
Heron's Head Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails.