Lake birding habitat

Nicasio Reservoir

California · Southwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Nicasio Reservoir is a productive birding destination in California, with 221 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Canada Goose, American Wigeon, and Pied-billed Grebe 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

4/17/2026Ellis Creek Water Recycling Facility1 observed

Stilt Sandpiper

Calidris himantopus

4/17/2026Rush Creek OSP--Cemetery Marsh1 observed

Laughing Gull

Leucophaeus atricilla

4/17/2026Bolinas Lagoon1 observed

Swainson's Thrush

Catharus ustulatus

4/17/2026Five Brooks Pond1 observed

Black-and-white Warbler

Mniotilta varia

4/15/2026Muir Beach--includes beach, Redwood Creek riparian corridor, Green Gulch1 observed

Palm Warbler

Setophaga palmarum

4/14/2026Pt. Reyes--Chimney Rock (DO NOT INCLUDE Fish Docks/Life Boat station area)1 observed

Ring-necked Duck

Aythya collaris

4/11/2026Pt. Reyes--Mendoza Ranch (B Ranch)2 observed

Elegant Tern

Thalasseus elegans

4/11/2026Pt. Reyes--Lighthouse3 observed

Wrentit

Chamaea fasciata

4/11/2026Pt. Reyes--Drakes Beach (DO NOT INCLUDE Horseshoe Pond or beach/estero beyond Horseshoe Pond)1 observed

Olive-sided Flycatcher

Contopus cooperi

4/10/2026200 Mountain King Rd, Lagunitas US-CA 38.02963, -122.706331 observed

Swainson's Thrush (Russet-backed)

Catharus ustulatus

4/10/2026Muir Beach--includes beach, Redwood Creek riparian corridor, Green Gulch1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

24/17/2026

Mallard

24/17/2026

Common Merganser

14/17/2026

California Quail

14/17/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

14/17/2026

Mourning Dove

34/17/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

14/17/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

14/17/2026

Caspian Tern

14/17/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

14/17/2026

Western Grebe

14/17/2026

Clark's Grebe

24/17/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

84/17/2026

Green Heron

24/17/2026

White-tailed Kite

14/17/2026

Ash-throated Flycatcher

14/17/2026

California Scrub-Jay

44/17/2026

American Crow

14/17/2026

Common Raven

14/17/2026

Tree Swallow

114/17/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.

  2. 2

    Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Nicasio Reservoir for birding?
The best months to visit Nicasio Reservoir for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Nicasio Reservoir?
Notable species at Nicasio Reservoir include Canada Goose, American Wigeon, Pied-billed Grebe, Double-crested Cormorant, Great Egret. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Nicasio Reservoir?
Birding at Nicasio Reservoir is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Nicasio Reservoir?
Nicasio Reservoir offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.