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

Wood Duck

Aix sponsa

7/21/2026Golden Gate Park--Blue Heron Lake & Strawberry Hill1 observed

Allen's Hummingbird

Selasphorus sasin

7/21/2026UC Berkeley--Observatory Hill1 observed

Bald Eagle

Haliaeetus leucocephalus

7/21/2026Mission Creek (SF Co.)2 observed

Vermilion Flycatcher

Pyrocephalus rubinus

7/21/2026Garin/Dry Creek Pioneer Regional Park1 observed

Brant

Branta bernicla

7/21/2026MLK Jr. Regional Shoreline--Visitor Center1 observed

Short-billed Dowitcher

Limnodromus griseus

7/21/2026Presidio - Quartermaster Reach1 observed

Western Warbling Vireo

Vireo swainsoni

7/21/2026Presidio--Dragonfly Creek 1 observed

Black-throated Gray Warbler

Setophaga nigrescens

7/21/2026Tilden Regional Park--Vollmer Peak1 observed

Common Loon

Gavia immer

7/21/2026Candlestick Pt. State Rec. Area - long traveling lists - use specific hotspot where appropriate2 observed

Ruddy Turnstone

Arenaria interpres

7/21/2026Ocean Beach (SF Co.)1 observed

Royal Tern

Thalasseus maximus

7/21/2026Ocean Beach (SF Co.)2 observed

White-crowned Sparrow (Gambel's)

Zonotrichia leucophrys

7/20/20261607 37th Ave, San Francisco US-CA (37.7569,-122.4961)1 observed

Black Skimmer

Rynchops niger

7/20/2026Heron's Head Park, San Francisco US-CA 37.73815, -122.372531 observed

Least Tern

Sternula antillarum

7/20/2026Heron's Head Park3 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Black Oystercatcher

37/17/2026

Long-billed Curlew

37/17/2026

Willet

57/17/2026

Black Turnstone

17/17/2026

Western Gull

27/17/2026

California Gull

67/17/2026

Caspian Tern

37/17/2026

Forster's Tern

87/17/2026

Snowy Egret

47/17/2026

Great Egret

27/17/2026

American White Pelican

17/17/2026

Mallard

47/15/2026

Rock Pigeon

107/15/2026

Turkey Vulture

17/15/2026

American Crow

27/15/2026

Barn Swallow

17/15/2026

Cliff Swallow

27/15/2026

House Sparrow

17/15/2026

House Finch

37/15/2026

Canada Goose

327/15/2026

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.