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

Elegant Tern

Thalasseus elegans

4/18/2026Bodega Bay--Porto Bodega4 observed

Swainson's Thrush

Catharus ustulatus

4/17/2026Salmon Creek Road--from Fitzpatrick Lane to end of public road (including Fitzpatrick Lane)2 observed

Common Black x Red-shouldered Hawk (hybrid)

Buteogallus anthracinus x Buteo lineatus

4/13/2026Santa Rosa Creek Trail and Delta Pond (west of Willowside Rd)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Surf Scoter

14/8/2026

Bufflehead

14/8/2026

California Quail

74/8/2026

Wild Turkey

14/8/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

24/8/2026

Hudsonian Whimbrel

14/8/2026

Western Gull

24/8/2026

Elegant Tern

14/8/2026

Red-throated Loon

14/8/2026

Turkey Vulture

44/8/2026

Northern Flicker

14/8/2026

California Scrub-Jay

24/8/2026

American Crow

24/8/2026

Bushtit

24/8/2026

Bewick's Wren

14/8/2026

American Robin

14/8/2026

House Finch

14/8/2026

American Goldfinch

24/8/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

24/8/2026

Song Sparrow

14/8/2026

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

More in California

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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.