Desert birding habitat

Point Reyes - HISTORICAL Outer Point (PRE-1990s ONLY)

California · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Point Reyes - HISTORICAL Outer Point (PRE-1990s ONLY) is a productive birding destination in California, with 289 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts a wide variety of species 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

Semipalmated Plover

Charadrius semipalmatus

6/2/2026Doran Regional Park, Bodega Bay US-CA (38.3144,-123.0341)3 observed

Eurasian Wigeon

Mareca penelope

6/2/2026Doran Regional Park, Bodega Bay US-CA (38.3144,-123.0341)1 observed

Say's Phoebe

Sayornis saya

6/2/202613070–13160 Valley Ford Rd, Petaluma US-CA 38.31338, -122.883831 observed

Loggerhead Shrike

Lanius ludovicianus

6/2/2026Carmody Rd S1 observed

Hermit Thrush

Catharus guttatus

6/2/2026Roy's Redwoods Preserve2 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

6/2/2026Tomales Bay--Cypress Grove Pt.1 observed

Yellow-breasted Chat

Icteria virens

6/2/2026Tomales Bay--Cypress Grove Pt.1 observed

Tennessee Warbler

Leiothlypis peregrina

6/2/2026Pt. Reyes--Fish Docks (DO NOT INCLUDE Chimney Rock area)1 observed

American Redstart

Setophaga ruticilla

6/2/2026Pt. Reyes--Junior Mendoza1 observed

California Scrub-Jay

Aphelocoma californica

6/2/2026Pt. Reyes--Drakes Beach (DO NOT INCLUDE Horseshoe Pond or beach/estero beyond Horseshoe Pond)2 observed

Wrentit

Chamaea fasciata

6/2/2026Pt. Reyes--Drakes Beach (DO NOT INCLUDE Horseshoe Pond or beach/estero beyond Horseshoe Pond)3 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Brant

26/2/2026

Surf Scoter

126/2/2026

California Quail

56/2/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

26/2/2026

Mourning Dove

26/2/2026

Pigeon Guillemot

46/2/2026

Western Gull

106/2/2026

Caspian Tern

26/2/2026

Red-throated Loon

66/2/2026

Common Loon

46/2/2026

Brandt's Cormorant

36/2/2026

Pelagic Cormorant

26/2/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

46/2/2026

Brown Pelican

26/2/2026

Turkey Vulture

36/2/2026

Osprey

16/2/2026

Northern Flicker

16/2/2026

Barn Swallow

66/2/2026

European Starling

106/2/2026

House Finch

86/2/2026

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 - HISTORICAL Outer Point (PRE-1990s ONLY) for birding?
The best months to visit Point Reyes - HISTORICAL Outer Point (PRE-1990s ONLY) for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Point Reyes - HISTORICAL Outer Point (PRE-1990s ONLY)?
Notable species at Point Reyes - HISTORICAL Outer Point (PRE-1990s ONLY) include Cactus Wren, Greater Roadrunner, Gambel's Quail, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at Point Reyes - HISTORICAL Outer Point (PRE-1990s ONLY)?
Birding at Point Reyes - HISTORICAL Outer Point (PRE-1990s ONLY) is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Point Reyes - HISTORICAL Outer Point (PRE-1990s ONLY)?
Point Reyes - HISTORICAL Outer Point (PRE-1990s ONLY) offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.