Desert birding habitat

Point San Pablo/Point Molate

California · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
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

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Pheucticus ludovicianus

5/29/2026Pt. Reyes Bird Observatory--Palomarin1 observed

Wood Duck

Aix sponsa

5/29/2026Golden Gate Park--Blue Heron Lake & Strawberry Hill1 observed

Hermit Thrush

Catharus guttatus

5/29/202690 Gazania Ct, Novato US-CA 38.11741, -122.571981 observed

Dunlin

Calidris alpina

5/28/2026Lone Tree Point3 observed

American Kestrel

Falco sparverius

5/28/2026Pier 94--salt marsh restoration1 observed

Gadwall

Mareca strepera

5/28/2026Pier 94--salt marsh restoration1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

5/28/2026Muir Beach--includes beach, Redwood Creek riparian corridor, Green Gulch1 observed

Ash-throated Flycatcher

Myiarchus cinerascens

5/28/2026Bernal Hill2 observed

Hooded Warbler

Setophaga citrina

5/28/2026Green Gulch Zen Center, Zendo, Zendo Pond & Gardens Area1 observed

Bank Swallow

Riparia riparia

5/27/2026Fort Funston - for long traveling lists - use specific hotspot where appropriate2 observed

Spotted Sandpiper

Actitis macularius

5/27/2026Lafayette Reservoir1 observed

Western Sandpiper

Calidris mauri

5/26/2026Lone Tree Point20 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

45/28/2026

Rock Pigeon

35/28/2026

Western Gull

15/28/2026

Caspian Tern

15/28/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

15/28/2026

Snowy Egret

15/28/2026

Green Heron

15/28/2026

Great Egret

15/28/2026

Osprey

15/28/2026

American Crow

25/28/2026

Barn Swallow

25/28/2026

Bushtit

45/28/2026

Western Bluebird

25/28/2026

House Finch

145/28/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

25/28/2026

Song Sparrow

55/28/2026

Canada Goose

35/28/2026

Black-necked Stilt

65/28/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

25/28/2026

Gadwall

25/28/2026

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 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.