Desert birding habitat

Point Reyes - Mendoza Ranch (B Ranch)

California · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Point Reyes - Mendoza Ranch (B Ranch) is a productive birding destination in California, with 274 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Mallard, Bufflehead, and Rock Pigeon 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

Bald Eagle

Haliaeetus leucocephalus

7/21/2026Drakes Beach, Inverness US-CA 38.03119, -122.946031 observed

Semipalmated Plover

Charadrius semipalmatus

7/21/2026Drakes Beach, Inverness US-CA 38.03119, -122.946033 observed

American White Pelican

Pelecanus erythrorhynchos

7/21/2026Drakes Beach, Inverness US-CA 38.03119, -122.9460360 observed

Wrentit

Chamaea fasciata

7/21/2026Pt. Reyes--Drakes Beach (DO NOT INCLUDE Horseshoe Pond or beach/estero beyond Horseshoe Pond)1 observed

Black Scoter

Melanitta americana

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

Forster's Tern

Sterna forsteri

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

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

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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Killdeer

17/12/2026

Least Sandpiper

87/12/2026

Barn Swallow

37/12/2026

Savannah Sparrow

57/12/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

57/12/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

17/12/2026

Brewer's Blackbird

47/12/2026

Mourning Dove

27/11/2026

Allen's Hummingbird

37/11/2026

Red-necked Phalarope

17/11/2026

Western Sandpiper

17/11/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

37/11/2026

American Barn Owl

27/11/2026

Black Phoebe

27/11/2026

Cliff Swallow

27/11/2026

Bewick's Wren

27/11/2026

House Sparrow

37/11/2026

House Finch

87/11/2026

American Goldfinch

47/11/2026

Grasshopper Sparrow

27/11/2026

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 - Mendoza Ranch (B Ranch) for birding?
The best months to visit Point Reyes - Mendoza Ranch (B Ranch) for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Point Reyes - Mendoza Ranch (B Ranch)?
Notable species at Point Reyes - Mendoza Ranch (B Ranch) include Mallard, Bufflehead, Rock Pigeon, Western Gull, Glaucous-winged Gull. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at Point Reyes - Mendoza Ranch (B Ranch)?
Birding at Point Reyes - Mendoza Ranch (B Ranch) is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Point Reyes - Mendoza Ranch (B Ranch)?
Point Reyes - Mendoza Ranch (B Ranch) offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.