Coastal birding habitat

Point Reyes - Limantour Beach

California · Southwest

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Point Reyes - Limantour Beach is a productive birding destination in California, with 255 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Surf Scoter, Least Sandpiper, and Canada Goose 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

Lawrence's Goldfinch

Spinus lawrencei

4/8/2026Pine Mountain Fire Rd.1 observed

Fox Sparrow (Slate-colored)

Passerella iliaca

4/8/2026Pine Mountain Fire Rd.1 observed

Fox Sparrow (Thick-billed)

Passerella iliaca

4/8/2026Pine Mountain Fire Rd.6 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

24/15/2026

Surf Scoter

204/15/2026

California Quail

104/15/2026

Hudsonian Whimbrel

24/15/2026

Long-billed Curlew

14/15/2026

Least Sandpiper

1504/15/2026

Western Sandpiper

104/15/2026

Western Gull

54/15/2026

Common Loon

24/15/2026

Great Egret

14/15/2026

Brown Pelican

154/15/2026

Turkey Vulture

24/15/2026

Osprey

14/15/2026

Northern Harrier

14/15/2026

Steller's Jay

24/15/2026

California Scrub-Jay

24/15/2026

American Crow

34/15/2026

Common Raven

14/15/2026

Barn Swallow

34/15/2026

Cliff Swallow

24/15/2026

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 - Limantour Beach for birding?
The best months to visit Point Reyes - Limantour Beach for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Point Reyes - Limantour Beach?
Notable species at Point Reyes - Limantour Beach include Surf Scoter, Least Sandpiper, Canada Goose, American Wigeon, Mallard. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Point Reyes - Limantour Beach?
Birding at Point Reyes - Limantour Beach is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Point Reyes - Limantour Beach?
Point Reyes - Limantour Beach offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.