Point San Pablo/Point Molate

California · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
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

Loading map...

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

Williamson's Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus thyroideus

3/5/2026UC Berkeley1 observed

Harris's Sparrow

Zonotrichia querula

3/5/2026Santa Venetia Marsh Preserve1 observed

Broad-winged Hawk

Buteo platypterus

3/5/2026Tree next to San Jose Ave1 observed

Black-throated Gray Warbler

Setophaga nigrescens

3/5/2026Lafayette Reservoir1 observed

Tropical Kingbird

Tyrannus melancholicus

3/5/2026Amador Street - fennel/willow patch and adjoining fields 37.74489, -122.379561 observed

Black Skimmer

Rynchops niger

3/5/2026South Richmond Marshes (Stege, Hoffman) and Meeker Slough15 observed

Common Tern

Sterna hirundo

3/5/2026Ballena Bay1 observed

Common Murre

Uria aalge

3/5/2026Cesar Chavez Park1 observed

Blackburnian Warbler

Setophaga fusca

3/5/2026Sunset Blvd. at Quintara St. intersection and vicinity1 observed

Nashville Warbler

Leiothlypis ruficapilla

3/5/2026Booker T Anderson Park1 observed

Red-necked Grebe

Podiceps grisegena

3/5/2026707 W Hornet Ave, Alameda US-CA 37.77285, -122.300701 observed

Black-and-white Warbler

Mniotilta varia

3/5/2026Golden Gate Park--Hippie Hill & Tennis Complex1 observed

Hermit Warbler

Setophaga occidentalis

3/5/2026Golden Gate Park--Hippie Hill & Tennis Complex1 observed

Wilson's Warbler

Cardellina pusilla

3/5/2026Golden Gate Park--Arboretum (San Francisco Botanical Garden)1 observed

Western Tanager

Piranga ludoviciana

3/5/2026McKinley Square1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

22/28/2026

American Wigeon

12/28/2026

Mallard

12/28/2026

Surf Scoter

22/28/2026

Bufflehead

22/28/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

12/28/2026

Allen's Hummingbird

12/28/2026

American Coot

12/28/2026

Black Oystercatcher

22/28/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

12/28/2026

Western Gull

22/28/2026

American Herring Gull

12/28/2026

California Gull

152/28/2026

Glaucous-winged Gull

22/28/2026

Iceland Gull

12/28/2026

Clark's Grebe

12/28/2026

Pelagic Cormorant

12/28/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

22/28/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

12/28/2026

Belted Kingfisher

12/28/2026

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.