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

Swainson's Thrush

Catharus ustulatus

4/17/2026Salmon Creek Road--from Fitzpatrick Lane to end of public road (including Fitzpatrick Lane)2 observed

Elegant Tern

Thalasseus elegans

4/17/2026Doran Regional Park - entrance pond to jetty5 observed

Palm Warbler

Setophaga palmarum

4/14/2026Pt. Reyes--Chimney Rock (DO NOT INCLUDE Fish Docks/Life Boat station area)1 observed

Common Black x Red-shouldered Hawk (hybrid)

Buteogallus anthracinus x Buteo lineatus

4/13/2026Santa Rosa Creek Trail and Delta Pond (west of Willowside Rd)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Surf Scoter

404/10/2026

Black Scoter

24/10/2026

California Quail

84/10/2026

Brown Pelican

34/10/2026

Turkey Vulture

64/10/2026

Northern Flicker

24/10/2026

California Scrub-Jay

34/10/2026

American Crow

54/10/2026

Common Raven

14/10/2026

Barn Swallow

254/10/2026

Western Bluebird

34/10/2026

House Finch

54/10/2026

American Goldfinch

304/10/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

24/10/2026

Golden-crowned Sparrow

144/10/2026

Song Sparrow

104/10/2026

Wild Turkey

24/5/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

24/5/2026

Western Gull

34/5/2026

Brandt's Cormorant

124/5/2026

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.