Desert birding habitat

Point Reyes - Limantour Spit

California · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Point Reyes - Limantour Spit is a productive birding destination in California, with 216 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Surf Scoter, Bufflehead, and Long-billed Curlew 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

Surf Scoter

24/17/2026

California Quail

14/17/2026

Bonaparte's Gull

34/17/2026

Short-billed Gull

14/17/2026

Western Gull

64/17/2026

Common Loon

14/17/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

24/17/2026

Turkey Vulture

34/17/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

14/17/2026

Common Raven

24/17/2026

Barn Swallow

14/17/2026

Bewick's Wren

14/17/2026

European Starling

24/17/2026

Song Sparrow

24/17/2026

Wilson's Warbler

14/17/2026

Canada Goose

44/17/2026

Mallard

54/17/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

24/17/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

34/17/2026

Killdeer

14/17/2026

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 - Limantour Spit for birding?
The best months to visit Point Reyes - Limantour Spit for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Point Reyes - Limantour Spit?
Notable species at Point Reyes - Limantour Spit include Surf Scoter, Bufflehead, Long-billed Curlew, Marbled Godwit, Great Egret. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at Point Reyes - Limantour Spit?
Birding at Point Reyes - Limantour Spit is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Point Reyes - Limantour Spit?
Point Reyes - Limantour Spit offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.