Owl Canyon - ONLY (waterbirds from this site OK)

California · Southwest

ChallengingView on eBird Directions

Habitat

Canyon

Best Seasons

Fall Winter Spring

Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Owl Canyon - ONLY (waterbirds from this site OK) is a productive birding destination in California, with 263 species recorded on eBird. This canyon habitat attracts Surf Scoter, Bufflehead, and Ring-billed Gull among many others. The unique desert and riparian habitats support specialty species alongside wintering and migrating birds.

Location

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Notable Species

Surf Scoter Bufflehead Ring-billed Gull Western Gull Common Loon

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Red-necked Phalarope

Phalaropus lobatus

5/31/2026Pt. Reyes--Abbotts Lagoon4 observed

Eurasian Wigeon

Mareca penelope

5/31/2026Bird Walk Coastal Access and Smith Brothers Road1 observed

Wandering Tattler

Tringa incana

5/29/2026Bodega Head - offshore species and the bluff ONLY2 observed

White-faced Ibis

Plegadis chihi

5/29/2026Santa Rosa Creek Trail and Delta Pond (west of Willowside Rd)20 observed

Greater Yellowlegs

Tringa melanoleuca

5/28/2026Doran Regional Park - entrance pond to jetty1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

15/28/2026

Black Oystercatcher

25/28/2026

Western Gull

65/28/2026

Turkey Vulture

25/28/2026

Northern Harrier

25/28/2026

Northern Flicker

15/28/2026

California Scrub-Jay

15/28/2026

Bushtit

15/28/2026

American Goldfinch

15/28/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

15/28/2026

Song Sparrow

25/28/2026

Brant

55/27/2026

Black-bellied Plover

15/27/2026

Caspian Tern

145/27/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

75/27/2026

Snowy Egret

15/27/2026

Great Egret

25/27/2026

Brown Pelican

305/27/2026

Western Flycatcher

15/27/2026

Barn Swallow

15/27/2026

Birding Tips

1
Listen for echoing calls of Canyon Wren and other canyon specialties.
2
Check rocky ledges and cliff faces for nesting raptors.
3
Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.

Amenities

Parking

Trails

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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 Owl Canyon - ONLY (waterbirds from this site OK) for birding?▼

The best months to visit Owl Canyon - ONLY (waterbirds from this site OK) for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.

What birds can I see at Owl Canyon - ONLY (waterbirds from this site OK)?▼

Notable species at Owl Canyon - ONLY (waterbirds from this site OK) include Surf Scoter, Bufflehead, Ring-billed Gull, Western Gull, Common Loon. The area supports canyon habitats.

How difficult is birding at Owl Canyon - ONLY (waterbirds from this site OK)?▼

Birding at Owl Canyon - ONLY (waterbirds from this site OK) is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.

What amenities are available at Owl Canyon - ONLY (waterbirds from this site OK)?▼

Owl Canyon - ONLY (waterbirds from this site OK) offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.