Coastal birding habitat

Point Reyes - Drakes Beach (DO NOT INCLUDE Horseshoe Pond or beach/estero beyond Horseshoe Pond)

California · Southwest

Habitat
CoastalLake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Point Reyes - Drakes Beach (DO NOT INCLUDE Horseshoe Pond or beach/estero beyond Horseshoe Pond) is a productive birding destination in California, with 295 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and lake habitat attracts Mallard, Surf Scoter, 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

Red-necked Phalarope

Phalaropus lobatus

5/30/2026Pt. Reyes--Abbotts Lagoon1 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

Clay-colored Sparrow

Spizella pallida

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

Brewer's Sparrow

Spizella breweri

5/28/2026Pt. Reyes--Nunes Ranch (A Ranch) & Road Forks Pool1 observed

White-eyed Vireo

Vireo griseus

5/28/2026Pt. Reyes--Fish Docks (DO NOT INCLUDE Chimney Rock area)1 observed

Black-throated Green Warbler

Setophaga virens

5/28/2026Pt. Reyes--Fish Docks (DO NOT INCLUDE Chimney Rock area)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Gadwall

25/29/2026

Western Gull

165/29/2026

Northern Flicker

15/29/2026

California Scrub-Jay

15/29/2026

Bewick's Wren

25/29/2026

European Starling

25/29/2026

Swainson's Thrush

15/29/2026

American Goldfinch

35/29/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

45/29/2026

Song Sparrow

15/29/2026

Wilson's Warbler

15/29/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

25/29/2026

Killdeer

15/29/2026

Turkey Vulture

35/29/2026

Common Raven

45/29/2026

Barn Swallow

25/29/2026

Wrentit

25/29/2026

Marsh Wren

25/29/2026

Common Yellowthroat

15/29/2026

Allen's Hummingbird

25/29/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.

  2. 2

    Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.

  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 - Drakes Beach (DO NOT INCLUDE Horseshoe Pond or beach/estero beyond Horseshoe Pond) for birding?
The best months to visit Point Reyes - Drakes Beach (DO NOT INCLUDE Horseshoe Pond or beach/estero beyond Horseshoe Pond) for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Point Reyes - Drakes Beach (DO NOT INCLUDE Horseshoe Pond or beach/estero beyond Horseshoe Pond)?
Notable species at Point Reyes - Drakes Beach (DO NOT INCLUDE Horseshoe Pond or beach/estero beyond Horseshoe Pond) include Mallard, Surf Scoter, Anna's Hummingbird, Killdeer, Hudsonian Whimbrel. The area supports coastal, lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Point Reyes - Drakes Beach (DO NOT INCLUDE Horseshoe Pond or beach/estero beyond Horseshoe Pond)?
Birding at Point Reyes - Drakes Beach (DO NOT INCLUDE Horseshoe Pond or beach/estero beyond Horseshoe Pond) is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Point Reyes - Drakes Beach (DO NOT INCLUDE Horseshoe Pond or beach/estero beyond Horseshoe Pond)?
Point Reyes - Drakes Beach (DO NOT INCLUDE Horseshoe Pond or beach/estero beyond Horseshoe Pond) offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.