Desert birding habitat

Point Reyes - Tomales Point Trail

California · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Point Reyes - Tomales Point Trail is a productive birding destination in California, with 201 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Brant, Surf Scoter, and Black Oystercatcher 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

Lesser Goldfinch

Spinus psaltria

7/13/2026Pt. Reyes--Lighthouse1 observed

American Robin

Turdus migratorius

7/13/2026Pt. Reyes--Lighthouse1 observed

Lawrence's Goldfinch

Spinus lawrencei

7/12/2026Owl Canyon - ONLY (waterbirds from this site OK)1 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

Wrentit

Chamaea fasciata

7/12/2026Pt. Reyes--Drakes Beach (DO NOT INCLUDE Horseshoe Pond or beach/estero beyond Horseshoe Pond)1 observed

Spotted Towhee

Pipilo maculatus

7/12/2026Pt. Reyes--Drakes Beach (DO NOT INCLUDE Horseshoe Pond or beach/estero beyond Horseshoe Pond)1 observed

Black Scoter

Melanitta americana

7/12/2026Pt. Reyes--Drakes Beach (DO NOT INCLUDE Horseshoe Pond or beach/estero beyond Horseshoe Pond)1 observed

California Scrub-Jay

Aphelocoma californica

7/11/2026Drakes monument, Inverness US-CA 38.02899, -122.962081 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

Belted Kingfisher

Megaceryle alcyon

7/11/2026Pt. Reyes--Drakes Beach (DO NOT INCLUDE Horseshoe Pond or beach/estero beyond Horseshoe Pond)2 observed

Grasshopper Sparrow

Ammodramus savannarum

7/11/2026Pt. Reyes--Mendoza Ranch (B Ranch)2 observed

Orange-crowned Warbler (lutescens)

Leiothlypis celata

7/11/2026Pt. Reyes--Mendoza Ranch (B Ranch)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Surf Scoter

27/12/2026

Semipalmated Plover

17/12/2026

Hudsonian Whimbrel

17/12/2026

Marbled Godwit

307/12/2026

Short-billed Dowitcher

257/12/2026

Willet

47/12/2026

Western Sandpiper

17/12/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

7/12/2026

Brown Pelican

7/12/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

47/12/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

17/12/2026

Black Oystercatcher

27/12/2026

Heermann's Gull

77/12/2026

Western Gull

97/12/2026

California Gull

37/12/2026

Common Loon

17/12/2026

Brandt's Cormorant

827/12/2026

Turkey Vulture

37/12/2026

California Scrub-Jay

17/12/2026

European Starling

17/12/2026

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