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

Wood Duck

Aix sponsa

6/2/2026Golden Gate Park--Blue Heron Lake & Strawberry Hill1 observed

Rhinoceros Auklet

Cerorhinca monocerata

6/2/2026Lands End, San Francisco US-CA 37.78010, -122.510262 observed

Western Tanager

Piranga ludoviciana

6/2/2026Tilden Regional Park--Botanic Garden1 observed

Least Bittern

Botaurus exilis

6/2/2026Las Gallinas Valley Sanitary District1 observed

Blackburnian Warbler

Setophaga fusca

6/2/2026Mt. Davidson1 observed

Ash-throated Flycatcher

Myiarchus cinerascens

6/2/2026Fort Mason1 observed

Scaly-breasted Munia

Lonchura punctulata

6/2/2026Pine Lake Park & Stern Grove5 observed

Red-throated Loon

Gavia stellata

6/2/2026Yerba Buena Island / Treasure Island1 observed

Hermit Thrush

Catharus guttatus

6/2/2026Pt. Reyes Bird Observatory--Palomarin1 observed

Purple Martin

Progne subis

6/1/2026Trousdale @ 2803 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

6/1/2026Pacifica Yard List1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

6/1/2026Golden Gate Park--North Lake1 observed

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Setophaga coronata

6/1/2026San Bruno Mountain Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

86/2/2026

Surf Scoter

416/2/2026

California Quail

26/2/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

46/2/2026

Virginia Rail

36/2/2026

Black Oystercatcher

26/2/2026

Killdeer

16/2/2026

Long-billed Curlew

16/2/2026

Pigeon Guillemot

36/2/2026

Common Murre

976/2/2026

Heermann's Gull

46/2/2026

Western Gull

526/2/2026

California Gull

106/2/2026

Caspian Tern

236/2/2026

Elegant Tern

316/2/2026

Western Grebe

236/2/2026

Clark's Grebe

36/2/2026

Red-throated Loon

16/2/2026

Pacific Loon

26/2/2026

Common Loon

16/2/2026

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.