Dramatic coastal cliffs at Point Reyes National Seashore

Point Reyes National Seashore

California · West

Habitat
CoastalGrasslandForest
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

September-November

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open 24 hours; visitor center 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

About This Location

Point Reyes National Seashore juts into the Pacific Ocean north of San Francisco, creating one of the West Coast's top birding destinations. The peninsula's diverse habitats host over 490 species, and its position makes it a magnet for rare vagrants and seabird watching.

Location

Loading map...

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

Black Scoter

Melanitta americana

7/17/2026Pt. Reyes--Drakes Beach (DO NOT INCLUDE Horseshoe Pond or beach/estero beyond Horseshoe Pond)1 observed

Forster's Tern

Sterna forsteri

7/17/2026Pt. Reyes--Drakes Beach (DO NOT INCLUDE Horseshoe Pond or beach/estero beyond Horseshoe Pond)1 observed

Red-breasted Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus ruber

7/17/2026580 Evergreen Rd Bolinas, CA1 observed

California Scrub-Jay

Aphelocoma californica

7/17/2026Pt. Reyes--Drakes Beach (DO NOT INCLUDE Horseshoe Pond or beach/estero beyond Horseshoe Pond)1 observed

Ruff

Calidris pugnax

7/16/2026Valley Ford Wetlands (Marin Co.)1 observed

Ruddy Turnstone

Arenaria interpres

7/15/2026Pt. Reyes--Limantour Spit1 observed

Belted Kingfisher

Megaceryle alcyon

7/13/2026Pt. Reyes--Drakes Beach (DO NOT INCLUDE Horseshoe Pond or beach/estero beyond Horseshoe Pond)1 observed

Wrentit

Chamaea fasciata

7/13/2026Pt. Reyes--Drakes Beach (DO NOT INCLUDE Horseshoe Pond or beach/estero beyond Horseshoe Pond)2 observed

Orange-crowned Warbler (lutescens)

Leiothlypis celata

7/13/2026Pt. Reyes--New Willows1 observed

Western Flycatcher

Empidonax difficilis

7/13/2026Pt. Reyes--New Willows1 observed

Lesser Goldfinch

Spinus psaltria

7/13/2026Pt. Reyes--Lighthouse1 observed

American Robin

Turdus migratorius

7/13/2026Pt. Reyes--Lighthouse1 observed

Least Sandpiper

Calidris minutilla

7/12/2026Pt. Reyes--Mendoza Ranch (B Ranch)8 observed

American White Pelican

Pelecanus erythrorhynchos

7/12/2026Pt. Reyes--Horseshoe Pond22 observed

Spotted Towhee

Pipilo maculatus

7/12/2026Pt. Reyes--Drakes Beach (DO NOT INCLUDE Horseshoe Pond or beach/estero beyond Horseshoe Pond)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Eurasian Collared-Dove

17/13/2026

Brown Pelican

107/13/2026

Acorn Woodpecker

27/13/2026

Downy Woodpecker

17/13/2026

Western Flycatcher

47/13/2026

Black Phoebe

27/13/2026

California Scrub-Jay

67/13/2026

American Crow

37/13/2026

Chestnut-backed Chickadee

7/13/2026

Barn Swallow

17/13/2026

Swainson's Thrush

17/13/2026

Pine Siskin

57/13/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

7/13/2026

Song Sparrow

7/13/2026

Spotted Towhee

7/13/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Fall is best for rare vagrants; check the outer point

  2. 2

    Visit the lighthouse area for seabird watching and whale migration

  3. 3

    Fall migration (September-October) brings waves of southbound warblers and raptors

  4. 4

    Winter birding can be rewarding for waterfowl, raptors, and winter finches

  5. 5

    Arrive at dawn for peak bird activity, especially during migration seasons

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Point Reyes National Seashore for birding?
The best months to visit Point Reyes National Seashore for birding are September-November. The best seasons are Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Point Reyes National Seashore?
Notable species at Point Reyes National Seashore include Tufted Puffin, Snowy Plover, Northern Spotted Owl, Tricolored Blackbird, Black Rail, Greater Scaup, Bufflehead, Eurasian Collared-Dove, Short-billed Gull, Ring-billed Gull. The area supports coastal, grassland, forest habitats.
How difficult is birding at Point Reyes National Seashore?
Birding at Point Reyes National Seashore is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Point Reyes National Seashore?
There is no entrance fee at Point Reyes National Seashore. Hours: Open 24 hours; visitor center 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
What amenities are available at Point Reyes National Seashore?
Point Reyes National Seashore offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Visitor Center, Trails.