Desert birding habitat

San Leandro Marina

California · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

San Leandro Marina is a productive birding destination in California, with 227 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Cinnamon Teal, Greater Scaup, and Bufflehead 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

Black Oystercatcher

Haematopus bachmani

5/27/2026Charleston Slough/Coast Casey Forebay1 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

5/27/2026Pacifica Yard List1 observed

White-crowned Sparrow (Gambel's)

Zonotrichia leucophrys

5/27/2026Bryce Canyon Ct., San Ramon, CA1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

5/27/2026Golden Gate Park, San Francisco US-CA 37.76959, -122.494801 observed

Brant

Branta bernicla

5/27/2026MLK Jr. Regional Shoreline1 observed

Bank Swallow

Riparia riparia

5/27/2026Fort Funston - for long traveling lists - use specific hotspot where appropriate2 observed

Chipping Sparrow

Spizella passerina

5/27/2026Home1 observed

Spotted Sandpiper

Actitis macularius

5/27/2026Lafayette Reservoir1 observed

Wood Duck

Aix sponsa

5/26/2026Golden Gate Park--Blue Heron Lake & Strawberry Hill1 observed

Evening Grosbeak

Hesperiphona vespertina

5/26/2026Parnassus Backyards -- Cole Valley6 observed

Lewis's Woodpecker

Melanerpes lewis

5/26/2026Presidio, San Francisco US-CA 37.79631, -122.462781 observed

Golden-crowned Sparrow

Zonotrichia atricapilla

5/26/2026Hayward, Drummond north (gated community)1 observed

Ash-throated Flycatcher

Myiarchus cinerascens

5/26/2026Presidio--El Polin Springs & Inspiration Point1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

125/23/2026

Mallard

15/23/2026

Rock Pigeon

85/23/2026

Mourning Dove

15/23/2026

Black Oystercatcher

15/23/2026

Ring-billed Gull

15/23/2026

Western Gull

35/23/2026

California Gull

155/23/2026

Least Tern

15/23/2026

Forster's Tern

105/23/2026

Elegant Tern

25/23/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

15/23/2026

Snowy Egret

15/23/2026

Brown Pelican

25/23/2026

Black Phoebe

15/23/2026

American Crow

125/23/2026

Barn Swallow

25/23/2026

European Starling

35/23/2026

House Finch

35/23/2026

Savannah Sparrow

15/23/2026

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 San Leandro Marina for birding?
The best months to visit San Leandro Marina for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at San Leandro Marina?
Notable species at San Leandro Marina include Cinnamon Teal, Greater Scaup, Bufflehead, Great-tailed Grackle, Greater White-fronted Goose. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at San Leandro Marina?
Birding at San Leandro Marina is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at San Leandro Marina?
San Leandro Marina offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.