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

Ruddy Turnstone

Arenaria interpres

7/15/2026Pt. Reyes--Limantour Spit1 observed

Belted Kingfisher

Megaceryle alcyon

7/13/2026Pt. Reyes--Drakes Beach (DO NOT INCLUDE Horseshoe Pond or beach/estero beyond Horseshoe Pond)1 observed

Black Scoter

Melanitta americana

7/13/2026Pt. Reyes--Drakes Beach (DO NOT INCLUDE Horseshoe Pond or beach/estero beyond Horseshoe Pond)1 observed

Wrentit

Chamaea fasciata

7/13/2026Pt. Reyes--Drakes Beach (DO NOT INCLUDE Horseshoe Pond or beach/estero beyond Horseshoe Pond)2 observed

Orange-crowned Warbler (lutescens)

Leiothlypis celata

7/13/2026Pt. Reyes--New Willows1 observed

Western Flycatcher

Empidonax difficilis

7/13/2026Pt. Reyes--New Willows1 observed

Lesser Goldfinch

Spinus psaltria

7/13/2026Pt. Reyes--Lighthouse1 observed

American Robin

Turdus migratorius

7/13/2026Pt. Reyes--Lighthouse1 observed

Lawrence's Goldfinch

Spinus lawrencei

7/12/2026Owl Canyon - ONLY (waterbirds from this site OK)1 observed

Least Sandpiper

Calidris minutilla

7/12/2026Pt. Reyes--Mendoza Ranch (B Ranch)8 observed

American White Pelican

Pelecanus erythrorhynchos

7/12/2026Pt. Reyes--Horseshoe Pond22 observed

Spotted Towhee

Pipilo maculatus

7/12/2026Pt. Reyes--Drakes Beach (DO NOT INCLUDE Horseshoe Pond or beach/estero beyond Horseshoe Pond)1 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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Pigeon Guillemot

207/15/2026

Common Murre

1007/15/2026

Western Gull

207/15/2026

Pelagic Cormorant

207/15/2026

Brown Pelican

507/15/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

17/15/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

17/15/2026

Brewer's Blackbird

107/15/2026

Ruddy Turnstone

17/15/2026

Northern Harrier

17/15/2026

Surf Scoter

667/15/2026

Semipalmated Plover

57/15/2026

Least Sandpiper

17/15/2026

Heermann's Gull

1107/15/2026

California Gull

337/15/2026

Caspian Tern

107/15/2026

Elegant Tern

87/15/2026

Pacific Loon

17/15/2026

Brandt's Cormorant

127/15/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

37/15/2026

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.