Desert birding habitat

Radio Road

California · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Radio Road is a productive birding destination in California, with 211 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Canada Goose, Northern Shoveler, and Lesser Scaup 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

Brant

Branta bernicla

7/10/2026MLK Jr. Regional Shoreline1 observed

Cackling Goose

Branta hutchinsii

7/10/2026MLK Jr. Regional Shoreline1 observed

Bar-tailed Godwit

Limosa lapponica

7/10/2026MLK Jr. Regional Shoreline1 observed

Cinnamon Teal

Spatula cyanoptera

7/9/2026Lake Merced--Concrete Bridge area3 observed

American Wigeon

Mareca americana

7/9/2026Stevens Creek Tidal Marsh2 observed

Northern Gannet

Morus bassanus

7/9/2026Pillar Point Harbor1 observed

Purple Martin

Progne subis

7/9/2026Home1 observed

Vermilion Flycatcher

Pyrocephalus rubinus

7/9/2026Garin/Dry Creek Pioneer Regional Park1 observed

Least Tern

Sternula antillarum

7/9/2026Shorebird Park - Beach Park Blvd.5 observed

Cassin's Kingbird

Tyrannus vociferans

7/9/2026Pacific Commons Linear Park2 observed

Ring-necked Duck

Aythya collaris

7/9/2026Sawyer Camp Trail--south5 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

27/8/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

17/8/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

17/8/2026

Willet

37/8/2026

California Gull

27/8/2026

Forster's Tern

17/8/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

757/8/2026

Snowy Egret

157/8/2026

Great Blue Heron

17/8/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

17/8/2026

Black Phoebe

27/8/2026

American Crow

87/8/2026

Cliff Swallow

27/8/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

27/8/2026

California Towhee

67/8/2026

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 Radio Road for birding?
The best months to visit Radio Road for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Radio Road?
Notable species at Radio Road include Canada Goose, Northern Shoveler, Lesser Scaup, Black-necked Stilt, Marbled Godwit. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at Radio Road?
Birding at Radio Road is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Radio Road?
Radio Road offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.