Desert birding habitat

Point Reyes - Lighthouse

California · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Point Reyes - Lighthouse is a productive birding destination in California, with 300 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Surf Scoter, Black Oystercatcher, and Common Murre among many others. The unique desert and riparian habitats support specialty species alongside wintering and migrating birds.

Location

Loading map...

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

1504/17/2026

Black Oystercatcher

24/17/2026

Pigeon Guillemot

484/17/2026

Common Murre

18004/17/2026

Heermann's Gull

14/17/2026

Ring-billed Gull

44/17/2026

Western Gull

304/17/2026

American Herring Gull

64/17/2026

California Gull

124/17/2026

Glaucous-winged Gull

24/17/2026

Brandt's Cormorant

504/17/2026

Pelagic Cormorant

404/17/2026

Brown Pelican

244/17/2026

Turkey Vulture

14/17/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

24/17/2026

Common Raven

14/17/2026

Barn Swallow

34/17/2026

European Starling

14/17/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

84/17/2026

Golden-crowned Sparrow

24/17/2026

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 - Lighthouse for birding?
The best months to visit Point Reyes - Lighthouse for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Point Reyes - Lighthouse?
Notable species at Point Reyes - Lighthouse include Surf Scoter, Black Oystercatcher, Common Murre, Western Gull, Brandt's Cormorant. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at Point Reyes - Lighthouse?
Birding at Point Reyes - Lighthouse is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Point Reyes - Lighthouse?
Point Reyes - Lighthouse offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.