Coastal birding habitat

Middle Harbor Shoreline Park

California · Southwest

Habitat
CoastalUrban Park
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Middle Harbor Shoreline Park is a productive birding destination in California, with 208 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and urban park habitat attracts Cackling Goose, Canada Goose, and American Wigeon 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

Purple Martin

Progne subis

6/1/2026Trousdale @ 2803 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

6/1/2026Pacifica Yard List1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

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

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

Cackling Goose

Branta hutchinsii

6/1/2026MLK Jr. Regional Shoreline2 observed

Least Bittern

Botaurus exilis

6/1/2026Las Gallinas Valley Sanitary District1 observed

Hermit Warbler

Setophaga occidentalis

6/1/2026Diablo Foothills Regional Park--Livorna Staging Area1 observed

Townsend's Warbler

Setophaga townsendi

6/1/2026Diablo Foothills Regional Park--Livorna Staging Area1 observed

Red-eyed Vireo

Vireo olivaceus

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

Common Gallinule

Gallinula galeata

6/1/2026Lake Merced--Concrete Bridge area1 observed

Spotted Sandpiper

Actitis macularius

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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

255/31/2026

Mallard

25/31/2026

Rock Pigeon

55/31/2026

Mourning Dove

25/31/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

15/31/2026

Black-necked Stilt

15/31/2026

Black-bellied Plover

15/31/2026

Killdeer

15/31/2026

Hudsonian Whimbrel

15/31/2026

Long-billed Curlew

25/31/2026

Western Gull

55/31/2026

Black Skimmer

25/31/2026

Caspian Tern

55/31/2026

Forster's Tern

45/31/2026

Elegant Tern

35/31/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

25/31/2026

Snowy Egret

35/31/2026

Great Egret

15/31/2026

Great Blue Heron

15/31/2026

Brown Pelican

15/31/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.

  2. 2

    Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Middle Harbor Shoreline Park for birding?
The best months to visit Middle Harbor Shoreline Park for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Middle Harbor Shoreline Park?
Notable species at Middle Harbor Shoreline Park include Cackling Goose, Canada Goose, American Wigeon, Canvasback, Surf Scoter. The area supports coastal, urban park habitats.
How difficult is birding at Middle Harbor Shoreline Park?
Birding at Middle Harbor Shoreline Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Middle Harbor Shoreline Park?
Middle Harbor Shoreline Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails.