Coastal birding habitat

Muir Beach - includes beach, Redwood Creek riparian corridor, Green Gulch

California · Southwest

Habitat
CoastalRiver/Riparian
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Muir Beach - includes beach, Redwood Creek riparian corridor, Green Gulch is a productive birding destination in California, with 248 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and river/riparian habitat attracts Surf Scoter, Mourning Dove, and Anna's Hummingbird 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

Least Bittern

Botaurus exilis

7/17/2026Las Gallinas Valley Sanitary District2 observed

Red-breasted Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus ruber

7/17/2026580 Evergreen Rd Bolinas, CA1 observed

Wood Duck

Aix sponsa

7/17/2026Golden Gate Park, San Francisco US-CA 37.77021, -122.472221 observed

Least Tern

Sternula antillarum

7/17/2026Pt. Isabel Regional Shoreline (please do not use for areas northwest of dog park)1 observed

Red Crossbill

Loxia curvirostra

7/17/2026Corona Heights Park2 observed

Hermit Warbler

Setophaga occidentalis

7/16/2026Wildcat Canyon Regional Park--vicinity of 1 Los Arboles1 observed

Rufous Hummingbird

Selasphorus rufus

7/16/2026Tilden Regional Park--Botanic Garden1 observed

Canvasback

Aythya valisineria

7/16/2026Pt. Isabel Regional Shoreline (please do not use for areas northwest of dog park)2 observed

Common Loon

Gavia immer

7/16/2026Ocean Beach-- across from Oceanside Water Polution Plant (FOR STATIONARY SEAWATCH ONLY)11 observed

American Kestrel

Falco sparverius

7/15/2026Amador Street - fennel/willow patch and adjoining fields 37.74489, -122.379561 observed

Northern Harrier

Circus hudsonius

7/15/2026Presidio--El Polin Springs & Inspiration Point2 observed

Bald Eagle

Haliaeetus leucocephalus

7/15/2026Heron's Head Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Band-tailed Pigeon

27/17/2026

Mourning Dove

47/17/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

27/17/2026

Pigeon Guillemot

67/17/2026

Common Murre

507/17/2026

Heermann's Gull

157/17/2026

Western Gull

107/17/2026

California Gull

17/17/2026

Elegant Tern

57/17/2026

Pacific Loon

27/17/2026

Brandt's Cormorant

257/17/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

17/17/2026

Brown Pelican

757/17/2026

California Scrub-Jay

37/17/2026

American Crow

157/17/2026

Wrentit

27/17/2026

Swainson's Thrush

27/17/2026

House Finch

47/17/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

87/17/2026

Song Sparrow

37/17/2026

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 Muir Beach - includes beach, Redwood Creek riparian corridor, Green Gulch for birding?
The best months to visit Muir Beach - includes beach, Redwood Creek riparian corridor, Green Gulch for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Muir Beach - includes beach, Redwood Creek riparian corridor, Green Gulch?
Notable species at Muir Beach - includes beach, Redwood Creek riparian corridor, Green Gulch include Surf Scoter, Mourning Dove, Anna's Hummingbird, Western Gull, Glaucous-winged Gull. The area supports coastal, river/riparian habitats.
How difficult is birding at Muir Beach - includes beach, Redwood Creek riparian corridor, Green Gulch?
Birding at Muir Beach - includes beach, Redwood Creek riparian corridor, Green Gulch is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Muir Beach - includes beach, Redwood Creek riparian corridor, Green Gulch?
Muir Beach - includes beach, Redwood Creek riparian corridor, Green Gulch offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.