A deer peeks out from tall grass and trees.

Las Gallinas Valley Sanitary District

California · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open daily, dawn to dusk

About This Location

Las Gallinas Valley Sanitary District is a productive birding destination in California, with 256 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Snow Goose, Cackling Goose, and Canada Goose 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

Wood Duck

Aix sponsa

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

White-faced Ibis

Plegadis chihi

5/29/2026Shollenberger Wetland40 observed

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Pheucticus ludovicianus

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

Hermit Thrush

Catharus guttatus

5/29/202690 Gazania Ct, Novato US-CA 38.11741, -122.571981 observed

Dunlin

Calidris alpina

5/28/2026Lone Tree Point3 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

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

Least Bittern

Botaurus exilis

5/28/2026Ellis Creek Water Recycling Facility1 observed

Hooded Warbler

Setophaga citrina

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

Western Sandpiper

Calidris mauri

5/26/2026Lone Tree Point20 observed

Evening Grosbeak

Hesperiphona vespertina

5/26/2026Parnassus Backyards -- Cole Valley6 observed

Lewis's Woodpecker

Melanerpes lewis

5/26/2026Presidio, San Francisco US-CA 37.79631, -122.462781 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

125/29/2026

Mute Swan

15/29/2026

Cinnamon Teal

125/29/2026

Gadwall

65/29/2026

Mallard

105/29/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

15/29/2026

Common Gallinule

175/29/2026

American Coot

15/29/2026

Killdeer

15/29/2026

Forster's Tern

55/29/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

45/29/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

135/29/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

15/29/2026

Snowy Egret

55/29/2026

Green Heron

15/29/2026

Great Egret

85/29/2026

Turkey Vulture

35/29/2026

Western Wood-Pewee

15/29/2026

Black Phoebe

55/29/2026

American Crow

25/29/2026

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.

  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 Las Gallinas Valley Sanitary District for birding?
The best months to visit Las Gallinas Valley Sanitary District for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Las Gallinas Valley Sanitary District?
Notable species at Las Gallinas Valley Sanitary District include Snow Goose, Cackling Goose, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Cinnamon Teal, American Wigeon, Double-crested Cormorant, Turkey Vulture, Common Raven, Oak Titmouse, Bewick's Wren, Mallard. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at Las Gallinas Valley Sanitary District?
Birding at Las Gallinas Valley Sanitary District is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Las Gallinas Valley Sanitary District?
There is no entrance fee at Las Gallinas Valley Sanitary District. Hours: Open daily, dawn to dusk.
What amenities are available at Las Gallinas Valley Sanitary District?
Las Gallinas Valley Sanitary District offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.