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

Say's Phoebe

Sayornis saya

5/30/2026Petaluma High School, Wildlife Museum And Track1 observed

Red-necked Phalarope

Phalaropus lobatus

5/30/2026Pt. Reyes--Abbotts Lagoon1 observed

Black Scoter

Melanitta americana

5/29/2026Pt. Reyes--Lighthouse4 observed

Harlequin Duck

Histrionicus histrionicus

5/29/2026Pt. Reyes--Fish Docks (DO NOT INCLUDE Chimney Rock area)1 observed

California Scrub-Jay

Aphelocoma californica

5/29/2026Pt. Reyes--Drakes Beach (DO NOT INCLUDE Horseshoe Pond or beach/estero beyond Horseshoe Pond)1 observed

Tennessee Warbler

Leiothlypis peregrina

5/29/2026Pt. Reyes--Fish Docks (DO NOT INCLUDE Chimney Rock area)1 observed

Wrentit

Chamaea fasciata

5/29/2026Pt. Reyes--Drakes Beach (DO NOT INCLUDE Horseshoe Pond or beach/estero beyond Horseshoe Pond)2 observed

White-faced Ibis

Plegadis chihi

5/29/2026Shollenberger Wetland40 observed

Clay-colored Sparrow

Spizella pallida

5/29/2026Pt. Reyes--Drakes Beach (DO NOT INCLUDE Horseshoe Pond or beach/estero beyond Horseshoe Pond)1 observed

Hermit Thrush

Catharus guttatus

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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

45/18/2026

California Quail

25/18/2026

Killdeer

15/18/2026

Caspian Tern

15/18/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

15/18/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

25/18/2026

Great Egret

25/18/2026

Great Blue Heron

45/18/2026

Turkey Vulture

15/18/2026

Black Phoebe

15/18/2026

California Scrub-Jay

25/18/2026

American Crow

25/18/2026

Common Raven

45/18/2026

Cliff Swallow

15/18/2026

Wrentit

15/18/2026

Bewick's Wren

15/18/2026

Song Sparrow

25/18/2026

California Towhee

15/18/2026

White-tailed Kite

15/18/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

15/18/2026

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.