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

Wood Duck

Aix sponsa

7/12/2026Golden Gate Park--Blue Heron Lake & Strawberry Hill1 observed

Forster's Tern

Sterna forsteri

7/12/2026Pt. Reyes--Drakes Beach (DO NOT INCLUDE Horseshoe Pond or beach/estero beyond Horseshoe Pond)10 observed

White-tailed Kite

Elanus leucurus

7/12/2026Presidio--El Polin Springs & Inspiration Point1 observed

Elegant Tern

Thalasseus elegans

7/11/2026Gulf of the Farallones (SF Co.)4 observed

California Scrub-Jay

Aphelocoma californica

7/11/2026Drakes monument, Inverness US-CA 38.02899, -122.962081 observed

Red-necked Phalarope

Phalaropus lobatus

7/11/2026Pt. Reyes--Drakes Beach (DO NOT INCLUDE Horseshoe Pond or beach/estero beyond Horseshoe Pond)1 observed

Belted Kingfisher

Megaceryle alcyon

7/11/2026Pt. Reyes--Drakes Beach (DO NOT INCLUDE Horseshoe Pond or beach/estero beyond Horseshoe Pond)2 observed

Least Sandpiper

Calidris minutilla

7/11/2026Pt. Reyes--Mendoza Ranch (B Ranch)5 observed

Grasshopper Sparrow

Ammodramus savannarum

7/11/2026Pt. Reyes--Mendoza Ranch (B Ranch)2 observed

Orange-crowned Warbler (lutescens)

Leiothlypis celata

7/11/2026Pt. Reyes--Mendoza Ranch (B Ranch)1 observed

Wrentit

Chamaea fasciata

7/11/2026Pt. Reyes--Drakes Beach (DO NOT INCLUDE Horseshoe Pond or beach/estero beyond Horseshoe Pond)1 observed

Brant (Black)

Branta bernicla

7/11/2026Pt. Reyes--Drakes Beach (DO NOT INCLUDE Horseshoe Pond or beach/estero beyond Horseshoe Pond)12 observed

Northern House Wren

Troglodytes aedon

7/11/2026Pt. 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

California Quail

77/12/2026

Band-tailed Pigeon

57/12/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

37/12/2026

Caspian Tern

27/12/2026

Turkey Vulture

37/12/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

17/12/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

17/12/2026

Northern Flicker

17/12/2026

Western Flycatcher

27/12/2026

Hutton's Vireo

17/12/2026

Western Warbling Vireo

17/12/2026

Steller's Jay

17/12/2026

California Scrub-Jay

57/12/2026

American Crow

17/12/2026

Chestnut-backed Chickadee

67/12/2026

Violet-green Swallow

17/12/2026

Barn Swallow

27/12/2026

Bushtit

27/12/2026

Wrentit

77/12/2026

Golden-crowned Kinglet

87/12/2026

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.