Point Reyes - Abbotts Lagoon

California · Southwest

ModerateView on eBird Directions

Habitat

Wetland

Best Seasons

Fall Winter Spring

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

Mallard Surf Scoter Common Goldeneye Red-breasted Merganser California Quail

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Red-necked Phalarope

Phalaropus lobatus

5/30/2026Drakes Estero pond1 observed

Say's Phoebe

Sayornis saya

5/30/2026Petaluma High School, Wildlife Museum And Track1 observed

Hermit Thrush

Catharus guttatus

5/30/2026Pt. Reyes Bird Observatory--Palomarin1 observed

Eurasian Wigeon

Mareca penelope

5/30/2026Bird Walk Coastal Access and Smith Brothers Road1 observed

Black Scoter

Melanitta americana

5/29/2026Pt. Reyes--Lighthouse4 observed

Harlequin Duck

Histrionicus histrionicus

5/29/2026Pt. Reyes--Fish Docks (DO NOT INCLUDE Chimney Rock area)1 observed

California Scrub-Jay

Aphelocoma californica

5/29/2026Pt. Reyes--Drakes Beach (DO NOT INCLUDE Horseshoe Pond or beach/estero beyond Horseshoe Pond)1 observed

Tennessee Warbler

Leiothlypis peregrina

5/29/2026Pt. Reyes--Fish Docks (DO NOT INCLUDE Chimney Rock area)1 observed

Wrentit

Chamaea fasciata

5/29/2026Pt. Reyes--Drakes Beach (DO NOT INCLUDE Horseshoe Pond or beach/estero beyond Horseshoe Pond)2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

California Quail

45/30/2026

Western Gull

35/30/2026

Caspian Tern

305/30/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

455/30/2026

Great Blue Heron

25/30/2026

Brown Pelican

75/30/2026

Turkey Vulture

125/30/2026

California Scrub-Jay

45/30/2026

Common Raven

55/30/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

105/30/2026

Song Sparrow

105/30/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

205/30/2026

Brewer's Blackbird

25/30/2026

Red-necked Phalarope

15/30/2026

Canada Goose

105/26/2026

Mallard

35/26/2026

Surf Scoter

15/26/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

35/26/2026

Mourning Dove

25/26/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

15/26/2026

Birding Tips

1
Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.
2
Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.
3
Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.

Amenities

Parking

Trails

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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 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.