Radio Road

California · Southwest

ModerateView on eBird Directions

Habitat

DesertChaparral

Best Seasons

Fall Winter Spring

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

Canada Goose Northern Shoveler Lesser Scaup Black-necked Stilt Marbled Godwit

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Black Oystercatcher

Haematopus bachmani

5/28/2026Shoreline Park--Shoreline Lake area4 observed

Redhead

Aythya americana

5/28/2026Palo Alto Flood Control Basin--E. Bayshore Rd. ponds3 observed

Black Tern

Chlidonias niger

5/28/2026Shoreline Park--Shoreline Lake area1 observed

Scripps's Murrelet

Synthliboramphus scrippsi

5/28/2026Pillar Point Harbor--West Point Ave. Riparian areas, Freshwater Pond trails, includes Maverick's Beach1 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

5/28/2026Pacifica Yard List1 observed

Indigo Bunting

Passerina cyanea

5/28/2026Coyote Hills Regional Park1 observed

American Kestrel

Falco sparverius

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

Gadwall

Mareca strepera

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

Ash-throated Flycatcher

Myiarchus cinerascens

5/28/2026Bernal Hill2 observed

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Pheucticus ludovicianus

5/27/2026Burleigh Murray SP1 observed

Hermit Thrush

Catharus guttatus

5/27/2026Tofoni Trail — Woodside SW2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Gadwall

15/26/2026

Mallard

15/26/2026

Black-necked Stilt

75/26/2026

California Gull

205/26/2026

Caspian Tern

35/26/2026

Forster's Tern

85/26/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

105/26/2026

Snowy Egret

15/26/2026

Brown Pelican

35/26/2026

Turkey Vulture

25/26/2026

American Crow

15/26/2026

Barn Swallow

15/26/2026

Cliff Swallow

15/26/2026

House Finch

15/26/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

15/26/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

15/20/2026

Western Gull

45/20/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

25/20/2026

Song Sparrow

15/20/2026

Canada Goose

55/18/2026

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

More in California

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Point Reyes National Seashore

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Mono Lake

Ancient saline lake with millions of migratory birds and surreal tufa towers.

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 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.