Desert birding habitat

Point Reyes Bird Observatory - Palomarin

California · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Point Reyes Bird Observatory - Palomarin is a productive birding destination in California, with 285 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Wild Turkey, Band-tailed Pigeon, and Anna's Hummingbird 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

Rhinoceros Auklet

Cerorhinca monocerata

5/30/2026Sutro Baths--seawatch1 observed

Red-necked Phalarope

Phalaropus lobatus

5/30/2026Drakes Estero pond1 observed

Wood Duck

Aix sponsa

5/30/2026Golden Gate Park--Blue Heron Lake & Strawberry Hill1 observed

Hermit Thrush

Catharus guttatus

5/30/2026Mt. Tamalpais--Cataract Trail1 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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Anna's Hummingbird

25/30/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

15/30/2026

Western Warbling Vireo

15/30/2026

Steller's Jay

15/30/2026

California Scrub-Jay

15/30/2026

Chestnut-backed Chickadee

15/30/2026

Barn Swallow

25/30/2026

Wrentit

15/30/2026

Red-breasted Nuthatch

15/30/2026

Brown Creeper

15/30/2026

Bewick's Wren

15/30/2026

Western Bluebird

25/30/2026

Swainson's Thrush

25/30/2026

Hermit Thrush

15/30/2026

House Finch

65/30/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

15/30/2026

Orange-crowned Warbler

15/30/2026

Wilson's Warbler

25/30/2026

Black-headed Grosbeak

15/30/2026

California Quail

45/29/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Start birding at dawn when desert birds are most active before the heat.

  2. 2

    Check around water sources, which concentrate desert species.

  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 Bird Observatory - Palomarin for birding?
The best months to visit Point Reyes Bird Observatory - Palomarin for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Point Reyes Bird Observatory - Palomarin?
Notable species at Point Reyes Bird Observatory - Palomarin include Wild Turkey, Band-tailed Pigeon, Anna's Hummingbird, Turkey Vulture, Red-tailed Hawk. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at Point Reyes Bird Observatory - Palomarin?
Birding at Point Reyes Bird Observatory - Palomarin is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Point Reyes Bird Observatory - Palomarin?
Point Reyes Bird Observatory - Palomarin offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.