Nicasio Reservoir

California · Southwest

ModerateView on eBird Directions

Habitat

Lake

Best Seasons

Fall Winter Spring

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

Canada Goose American Wigeon Pied-billed Grebe Double-crested Cormorant Great Egret

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Semipalmated Plover

Charadrius semipalmatus

7/21/2026Drakes Beach, Inverness US-CA 38.03119, -122.946033 observed

Bald Eagle

Haliaeetus leucocephalus

7/21/2026Drakes Beach, Inverness US-CA 38.03119, -122.946031 observed

American White Pelican

Pelecanus erythrorhynchos

7/21/2026Drakes Beach, Inverness US-CA 38.03119, -122.9460360 observed

Least Bittern

Botaurus exilis

7/21/2026Las Gallinas Valley Sanitary District2 observed

Wrentit

Chamaea fasciata

7/21/2026Pt. Reyes--Drakes Beach (DO NOT INCLUDE Horseshoe Pond or beach/estero beyond Horseshoe Pond)1 observed

Cackling Goose

Branta hutchinsii

7/18/2026Las Gallinas Valley Sanitary District1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

307/20/2026

California Quail

207/20/2026

Killdeer

57/20/2026

Semipalmated Plover

27/20/2026

Long-billed Dowitcher

17/20/2026

Least Sandpiper

17/20/2026

Caspian Tern

337/20/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

27/20/2026

Great Blue Heron

47/20/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

17/20/2026

Black Phoebe

17/20/2026

American Crow

357/20/2026

Tree Swallow

57/20/2026

Barn Swallow

77/20/2026

Cliff Swallow

207/20/2026

Bushtit

177/20/2026

American Robin

17/20/2026

Savannah Sparrow

17/20/2026

California Towhee

27/20/2026

Mallard

37/19/2026

Birding Tips

1
Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.
2
Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.
3
Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.

Amenities

Parking

Trails

More in California

Salton Sea

Desert oasis lake critical for Pacific Flyway shorebirds despite environmental challenges.

Point Reyes National Seashore

Pacific Coast peninsula with 490+ species and a magnet for rare vagrants.

Mono Lake

Ancient saline lake with millions of migratory birds and surreal tufa towers.

California Birding Guide

Complete guide to birding in California →

Birding Guides

Fall Bird Migration Guide

10 min read

Understanding Bird Migration

12 min read

Spring Birding in New York City

12 min read

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.