green grass field near body of water under white clouds during daytime

Rodeo Lagoon (including beach and offshore)

California · Southwest

Habitat
WetlandCoastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open daily, dawn to dusk

About This Location

Rodeo Lagoon (including beach and offshore) is a productive birding destination in California, with 326 species recorded on eBird. This wetland and coastal habitat attracts Mallard, Bufflehead, and Common Goldeneye 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

Least Bittern

Botaurus exilis

7/17/2026Las Gallinas Valley Sanitary District2 observed

Red-breasted Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus ruber

7/17/2026580 Evergreen Rd Bolinas, CA1 observed

Wood Duck

Aix sponsa

7/17/2026Golden Gate Park, San Francisco US-CA 37.77021, -122.472221 observed

Least Tern

Sternula antillarum

7/17/2026Pt. Isabel Regional Shoreline (please do not use for areas northwest of dog park)1 observed

Red Crossbill

Loxia curvirostra

7/17/2026Corona Heights Park2 observed

Hermit Warbler

Setophaga occidentalis

7/16/2026Wildcat Canyon Regional Park--vicinity of 1 Los Arboles1 observed

Rufous Hummingbird

Selasphorus rufus

7/16/2026Tilden Regional Park--Botanic Garden1 observed

Canvasback

Aythya valisineria

7/16/2026Pt. Isabel Regional Shoreline (please do not use for areas northwest of dog park)2 observed

Common Loon

Gavia immer

7/16/2026Ocean Beach-- across from Oceanside Water Polution Plant (FOR STATIONARY SEAWATCH ONLY)11 observed

American Kestrel

Falco sparverius

7/15/2026Amador Street - fennel/willow patch and adjoining fields 37.74489, -122.379561 observed

Northern Harrier

Circus hudsonius

7/15/2026Presidio--El Polin Springs & Inspiration Point2 observed

Bald Eagle

Haliaeetus leucocephalus

7/15/2026Heron's Head Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

97/17/2026

Surf Scoter

317/17/2026

California Quail

47/17/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

57/17/2026

Black Oystercatcher

27/17/2026

Killdeer

17/17/2026

Willet

17/17/2026

Pigeon Guillemot

57/17/2026

Common Murre

2207/17/2026

Heermann's Gull

37/17/2026

Western Gull

427/17/2026

California Gull

207/17/2026

Caspian Tern

257/17/2026

Elegant Tern

3507/17/2026

Western Grebe

27/17/2026

Brandt's Cormorant

147/17/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

117/17/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

17/17/2026

Snowy Egret

17/17/2026

Great Egret

17/17/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  3. 3

    Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.

  4. 4

    Check tide tables before visiting — low tide exposes mudflats that attract the most shorebirds.

  5. 5

    Bring insect repellent — wetland areas can have significant mosquito activity, especially in warmer months.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Rodeo Lagoon (including beach and offshore) for birding?
The best months to visit Rodeo Lagoon (including beach and offshore) for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Rodeo Lagoon (including beach and offshore)?
Notable species at Rodeo Lagoon (including beach and offshore) include Mallard, Bufflehead, Common Goldeneye, Common Merganser, Anna's Hummingbird, American Wigeon, Double-crested Cormorant, Turkey Vulture, Common Raven, Rock Pigeon, Western Gull, American Crow. The area supports wetland, coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Rodeo Lagoon (including beach and offshore)?
Birding at Rodeo Lagoon (including beach and offshore) is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Rodeo Lagoon (including beach and offshore)?
There is no entrance fee at Rodeo Lagoon (including beach and offshore). Hours: Open daily, dawn to dusk.
What amenities are available at Rodeo Lagoon (including beach and offshore)?
Rodeo Lagoon (including beach and offshore) offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.