Desert birding habitat

Miller/Knox Regional Shoreline

California · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Miller/Knox Regional Shoreline is a productive birding destination in California, with 243 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Canada Goose, American Wigeon, and Mallard among many others. The unique desert and riparian habitats support specialty species alongside wintering and migrating birds.

Location

Loading map...

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

Red Phalarope

Phalaropus fulicarius

5/29/20261701 Monarch Street, Alameda, California, US (37.776, -122.309)1 observed

Glaucous x Glaucous-winged Gull (hybrid)

Larus hyperboreus x glaucescens

5/29/2026Lone Tree Point1 observed

Wood Duck

Aix sponsa

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

Ash-throated Flycatcher

Myiarchus cinerascens

5/29/2026Bernal Hill1 observed

Hermit Thrush

Catharus guttatus

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

Spotted Sandpiper

Actitis macularius

5/28/2026Waterbird Regional Preserve/McNabney Marsh1 observed

Dunlin

Calidris alpina

5/28/2026Lone Tree Point3 observed

American Kestrel

Falco sparverius

5/28/2026Pier 94--salt marsh restoration1 observed

Gadwall

Mareca strepera

5/28/2026Pier 94--salt marsh restoration1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

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

Hooded Warbler

Setophaga citrina

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

Blue-winged Teal

Spatula discors

5/27/2026Pacheco Marsh--Pt. Edith Trail (TransMontaigne Pipeline Trail)2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

255/22/2026

Mallard

35/22/2026

Rock Pigeon

805/22/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

15/22/2026

Killdeer

15/22/2026

Pigeon Guillemot

15/22/2026

Western Gull

65/22/2026

California Gull

255/22/2026

Caspian Tern

45/22/2026

Forster's Tern

15/22/2026

Elegant Tern

15/22/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

15/22/2026

Snowy Egret

15/22/2026

Great Blue Heron

15/22/2026

Brown Pelican

65/22/2026

Turkey Vulture

15/22/2026

Osprey

35/22/2026

Nuttall's Woodpecker

15/22/2026

Black Phoebe

25/22/2026

American Crow

55/22/2026

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