Coastal birding habitat

Pillar Point Harbor - West Point Avenue Riparian areas, Freshwater Pond trails, includes Maverick's Beach

California · Southwest

Habitat
CoastalLakeRiver/Riparian
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Pillar Point Harbor - West Point Avenue Riparian areas, Freshwater Pond trails, includes Maverick's Beach is a productive birding destination in California, with 255 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and lake habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and Bufflehead 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

Wood Duck

Aix sponsa

5/29/2026Golden Gate Park--Blue Heron Lake & Strawberry Hill1 observed

Scripps's Murrelet

Synthliboramphus scrippsi

5/28/2026Pillar Point Harbor--West Point Ave. Riparian areas, Freshwater Pond trails, includes Maverick's Beach1 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

5/28/2026Pacifica Yard List1 observed

American Kestrel

Falco sparverius

5/28/2026Pier 94--salt marsh restoration1 observed

Gadwall

Mareca strepera

5/28/2026Pier 94--salt marsh restoration1 observed

Ash-throated Flycatcher

Myiarchus cinerascens

5/28/2026Bernal Hill2 observed

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Pheucticus ludovicianus

5/27/2026Burleigh Murray SP1 observed

Hermit Thrush

Catharus guttatus

5/27/2026Tofoni Trail — Woodside SW2 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

5/27/2026Golden Gate Park, San Francisco US-CA 37.76959, -122.494801 observed

Bank Swallow

Riparia riparia

5/27/2026Fort Funston - for long traveling lists - use specific hotspot where appropriate2 observed

Chipping Sparrow

Spizella passerina

5/27/2026Home1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Brant

55/28/2026

Canada Goose

15/28/2026

Mallard

45/28/2026

Surf Scoter

125/28/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

35/28/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

35/28/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

25/28/2026

Black Oystercatcher

85/28/2026

Pigeon Guillemot

105/28/2026

Common Murre

15/28/2026

Scripps's Murrelet

15/28/2026

Western Gull

125/28/2026

Caspian Tern

15/28/2026

Western Grebe

25/28/2026

Red-throated Loon

45/28/2026

Pacific Loon

15/28/2026

Common Loon

85/28/2026

Brandt's Cormorant

45/28/2026

Pelagic Cormorant

25/28/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

65/28/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.

  2. 2

    Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Pillar Point Harbor - West Point Avenue Riparian areas, Freshwater Pond trails, includes Maverick's Beach for birding?
The best months to visit Pillar Point Harbor - West Point Avenue Riparian areas, Freshwater Pond trails, includes Maverick's Beach for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Pillar Point Harbor - West Point Avenue Riparian areas, Freshwater Pond trails, includes Maverick's Beach?
Notable species at Pillar Point Harbor - West Point Avenue Riparian areas, Freshwater Pond trails, includes Maverick's Beach include Canada Goose, Mallard, Bufflehead, Red-breasted Merganser, Eurasian Collared-Dove. The area supports coastal, lake, river/riparian habitats.
How difficult is birding at Pillar Point Harbor - West Point Avenue Riparian areas, Freshwater Pond trails, includes Maverick's Beach?
Birding at Pillar Point Harbor - West Point Avenue Riparian areas, Freshwater Pond trails, includes Maverick's Beach is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Pillar Point Harbor - West Point Avenue Riparian areas, Freshwater Pond trails, includes Maverick's Beach?
Pillar Point Harbor - West Point Avenue Riparian areas, Freshwater Pond trails, includes Maverick's Beach offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.