Point San Pablo/Point Molate

California · Southwest

ModerateView on eBird Directions

Habitat

DesertChaparral

Best Seasons

Fall Winter Spring

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Point San Pablo/Point Molate is a productive birding destination in California, with 218 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Canada Goose, American Wigeon, and Mallard among many others. The unique desert and riparian habitats support specialty species alongside wintering and migrating birds.

Location

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Notable Species

Canada Goose American Wigeon Mallard Surf Scoter Bufflehead

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Least Bittern

Botaurus exilis

7/17/2026Las Gallinas Valley Sanitary District2 observed

Red-breasted Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus ruber

7/17/2026580 Evergreen Rd Bolinas, CA1 observed

Wood Duck

Aix sponsa

7/17/2026Golden Gate Park, San Francisco US-CA 37.77021, -122.472221 observed

Least Tern

Sternula antillarum

7/17/2026Pt. Isabel Regional Shoreline (please do not use for areas northwest of dog park)1 observed

Red Crossbill

Loxia curvirostra

7/17/2026Corona Heights Park2 observed

Dunlin

Calidris alpina

7/16/2026San Pablo Bay NWR--"Alco Ponds"/South of Hwy 372 observed

Hermit Warbler

Setophaga occidentalis

7/16/2026Wildcat Canyon Regional Park--vicinity of 1 Los Arboles1 observed

Rufous Hummingbird

Selasphorus rufus

7/16/2026Tilden Regional Park--Botanic Garden1 observed

Canvasback

Aythya valisineria

7/16/2026Pt. Isabel Regional Shoreline (please do not use for areas northwest of dog park)2 observed

Common Loon

Gavia immer

7/16/2026Ocean Beach-- across from Oceanside Water Polution Plant (FOR STATIONARY SEAWATCH ONLY)11 observed

Say's Phoebe

Sayornis saya

7/15/2026Newell Open Space1 observed

American Kestrel

Falco sparverius

7/15/2026Amador Street - fennel/willow patch and adjoining fields 37.74489, -122.379561 observed

Northern Harrier

Circus hudsonius

7/15/2026Presidio--El Polin Springs & Inspiration Point2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

17/5/2026

Western Gull

67/5/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

37/5/2026

Snowy Egret

17/5/2026

Osprey

27/5/2026

Barn Swallow

27/5/2026

European Starling

167/5/2026

House Finch

27/5/2026

Birding Tips

1
Start birding at dawn when desert birds are most active before the heat.
2
Check around water sources, which concentrate desert species.
3
Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.

Amenities

Parking

Trails

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California Birding Guide

Complete guide to birding in California →

Birding Guides

Fall Bird Migration Guide

10 min read

Understanding Bird Migration

12 min read

Spring Birding in New York City

12 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Point San Pablo/Point Molate for birding?▼

The best months to visit Point San Pablo/Point Molate for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.

What birds can I see at Point San Pablo/Point Molate?▼

Notable species at Point San Pablo/Point Molate include Canada Goose, American Wigeon, Mallard, Surf Scoter, Bufflehead. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.

How difficult is birding at Point San Pablo/Point Molate?▼

Birding at Point San Pablo/Point Molate is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.

What amenities are available at Point San Pablo/Point Molate?▼

Point San Pablo/Point Molate offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.