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

American Crow

Corvus brachyrhynchos

4/18/2026Chimney Rock Trail, Inverness US-CA 37.99487, -122.979382 observed

Elegant Tern

Thalasseus elegans

4/18/2026Chimney Rock Trail, Inverness US-CA 37.99487, -122.9793820 observed

Swainson's Thrush

Catharus ustulatus

4/18/2026Five Brooks Pond1 observed

Palm Warbler

Setophaga palmarum

4/14/2026Pt. Reyes--Chimney Rock (DO NOT INCLUDE Fish Docks/Life Boat station area)1 observed

Ring-necked Duck

Aythya collaris

4/11/2026Pt. Reyes--Mendoza Ranch (B Ranch)2 observed

Wrentit

Chamaea fasciata

4/11/2026Pt. Reyes--Drakes Beach (DO NOT INCLUDE Horseshoe Pond or beach/estero beyond Horseshoe Pond)1 observed

Olive-sided Flycatcher

Contopus cooperi

4/10/2026200 Mountain King Rd, Lagunitas US-CA 38.02963, -122.706331 observed

Palm Warbler (Western)

Setophaga palmarum

4/8/2026Chimney Rock Trail, Inverness US-CA 37.99526, -122.979381 observed

Lawrence's Goldfinch

Spinus lawrencei

4/8/2026Pine Mountain Fire Rd.1 observed

Fox Sparrow (Slate-colored)

Passerella iliaca

4/8/2026Pine Mountain Fire Rd.1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

24/18/2026

Mourning Dove

14/18/2026

Semipalmated Plover

24/18/2026

Western Gull

24/18/2026

Belted Kingfisher

14/18/2026

Acorn Woodpecker

14/18/2026

Common Raven

14/18/2026

American Robin

14/18/2026

Song Sparrow

14/18/2026

Greater Scaup

1504/12/2026

Lesser Scaup

804/12/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

24/12/2026

Ring-billed Gull

64/12/2026

Common Loon

14/12/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

64/12/2026

Great Egret

14/12/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

14/12/2026

American Crow

14/12/2026

Bewick's Wren

14/12/2026

Northern Mockingbird

14/12/2026

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.