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

Red-breasted Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus ruber

7/17/2026580 Evergreen Rd Bolinas, CA1 observed

California Scrub-Jay

Aphelocoma californica

7/17/2026Pt. Reyes--Drakes Beach (DO NOT INCLUDE Horseshoe Pond or beach/estero beyond Horseshoe Pond)1 observed

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

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

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

Surf Scoter

667/15/2026

Semipalmated Plover

57/15/2026

Least Sandpiper

17/15/2026

Heermann's Gull

1107/15/2026

Western Gull

427/15/2026

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

Brown Pelican

1897/15/2026

Osprey

17/15/2026

Common Raven

17/15/2026

Barn Swallow

17/15/2026

American Goldfinch

27/15/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

17/15/2026

Cliff Swallow

37/4/2026

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.