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

Swainson's Thrush

Catharus ustulatus

4/17/2026Five Brooks Pond1 observed

Palm Warbler

Setophaga palmarum

4/14/2026Pt. Reyes--Chimney Rock (DO NOT INCLUDE Fish Docks/Life Boat station area)1 observed

Ring-necked Duck

Aythya collaris

4/11/2026Pt. Reyes--Mendoza Ranch (B Ranch)2 observed

Elegant Tern

Thalasseus elegans

4/11/2026Pt. Reyes--Lighthouse3 observed

Wrentit

Chamaea fasciata

4/11/2026Pt. Reyes--Drakes Beach (DO NOT INCLUDE Horseshoe Pond or beach/estero beyond Horseshoe Pond)1 observed

Olive-sided Flycatcher

Contopus cooperi

4/10/2026200 Mountain King Rd, Lagunitas US-CA 38.02963, -122.706331 observed

Palm Warbler (Western)

Setophaga palmarum

4/8/2026Chimney Rock Trail, Inverness US-CA 37.99526, -122.979381 observed

American Crow

Corvus brachyrhynchos

4/8/2026Chimney Rock Trail, Inverness US-CA 37.99526, -122.979381 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Surf Scoter

24/17/2026

California Quail

14/17/2026

Bonaparte's Gull

34/17/2026

Short-billed Gull

14/17/2026

Western Gull

64/17/2026

Common Loon

14/17/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

24/17/2026

Turkey Vulture

34/17/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

14/17/2026

Common Raven

24/17/2026

Barn Swallow

14/17/2026

Bewick's Wren

14/17/2026

European Starling

24/17/2026

Song Sparrow

24/17/2026

Wilson's Warbler

14/17/2026

Cinnamon Teal

24/12/2026

Gadwall

14/12/2026

Mallard

34/12/2026

Killdeer

34/12/2026

Heermann's Gull

54/12/2026

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.