Wetland birding habitat

Point Reyes - Abbotts Lagoon

California · Southwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Point Reyes - Abbotts Lagoon is a productive birding destination in California, with 307 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Mallard, Surf Scoter, and Common Goldeneye 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

Semipalmated Plover

Charadrius semipalmatus

7/21/2026Drakes Beach, Inverness US-CA 38.03119, -122.946033 observed

Bald Eagle

Haliaeetus leucocephalus

7/21/2026Drakes Beach, Inverness US-CA 38.03119, -122.946031 observed

American White Pelican

Pelecanus erythrorhynchos

7/21/2026Drakes Beach, Inverness US-CA 38.03119, -122.9460360 observed

Wrentit

Chamaea fasciata

7/21/2026Pt. Reyes--Drakes Beach (DO NOT INCLUDE Horseshoe Pond or beach/estero beyond Horseshoe Pond)1 observed

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

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

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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

California Quail

47/20/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

17/20/2026

Semipalmated Plover

187/20/2026

Snowy Plover

157/20/2026

Marbled Godwit

17/20/2026

Short-billed Dowitcher

27/20/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

17/20/2026

Black Turnstone

17/20/2026

Least Sandpiper

17/20/2026

Western Sandpiper

357/20/2026

Common Murre

27/20/2026

Heermann's Gull

67/20/2026

Ring-billed Gull

27/20/2026

Western Gull

147/20/2026

California Gull

87/20/2026

Caspian Tern

347/20/2026

Elegant Tern

47/20/2026

Red-throated Loon

17/20/2026

Brandt's Cormorant

27/20/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

257/20/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Point Reyes - Abbotts Lagoon for birding?
The best months to visit Point Reyes - Abbotts Lagoon for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Point Reyes - Abbotts Lagoon?
Notable species at Point Reyes - Abbotts Lagoon include Mallard, Surf Scoter, Common Goldeneye, Red-breasted Merganser, California Quail. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Point Reyes - Abbotts Lagoon?
Birding at Point Reyes - Abbotts Lagoon is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Point Reyes - Abbotts Lagoon?
Point Reyes - Abbotts Lagoon offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.