Desert birding habitat

Presidio - Battery Godfrey

California · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Presidio - Battery Godfrey is a productive birding destination in California, with 282 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Greater Scaup, Surf Scoter, and Long-tailed Duck 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

Rhinoceros Auklet

Cerorhinca monocerata

5/30/2026Sutro Baths--seawatch1 observed

Wood Duck

Aix sponsa

5/30/2026Golden Gate Park--Blue Heron Lake & Strawberry Hill1 observed

Golden-crowned Sparrow

Zonotrichia atricapilla

5/30/2026Wilder Community & Fields1 observed

Snow Goose

Anser caerulescens

5/30/2026Tony Lema Golf Course, California, US1 observed

Yellow-headed Blackbird

Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus

5/30/2026Tony Lema Golf Course, California, US1 observed

Hermit Thrush

Catharus guttatus

5/30/2026Mt. Tamalpais--Cataract Trail1 observed

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

5/30/2026595 14th St, San Francisco US-CA 37.76787, -122.426621 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

5/30/2026Pacifica Yard List1 observed

Indigo Bunting

Passerina cyanea

5/30/2026East Golden Gate Park by bicycle1 observed

Ash-throated Flycatcher

Myiarchus cinerascens

5/29/2026Bernal Hill1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Surf Scoter

105/30/2026

Mourning Dove

15/30/2026

Pigeon Guillemot

15/30/2026

Brandt's Cormorant

205/30/2026

Brown Pelican

305/30/2026

Turkey Vulture

15/30/2026

Common Raven

65/30/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

25/30/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

105/30/2026

Song Sparrow

35/30/2026

Band-tailed Pigeon

385/27/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

15/27/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

15/27/2026

Black Oystercatcher

25/27/2026

Hudsonian Whimbrel

45/27/2026

Long-billed Curlew

145/27/2026

Heermann's Gull

25/27/2026

Western Gull

185/27/2026

California Gull

655/27/2026

Caspian Tern

85/27/2026

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 Presidio - Battery Godfrey for birding?
The best months to visit Presidio - Battery Godfrey for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Presidio - Battery Godfrey?
Notable species at Presidio - Battery Godfrey include Greater Scaup, Surf Scoter, Long-tailed Duck, Band-tailed Pigeon, Eurasian Collared-Dove. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at Presidio - Battery Godfrey?
Birding at Presidio - Battery Godfrey is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Presidio - Battery Godfrey?
Presidio - Battery Godfrey offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.