Coastal birding habitat

San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge - Reclamation Road

California · Southwest

Habitat
CoastalWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge - Reclamation Road is a productive birding destination in California, with 212 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and wetland habitat attracts Northern Shoveler, American Wigeon, and Canvasback 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

5/28/2026Ellis Creek Water Recycling Facility1 observed

Hermit Thrush

Catharus guttatus

5/27/2026Crown Road Area — Baltimore Canyon OSP1 observed

Dunlin

Calidris alpina

5/26/2026Lone Tree Point4 observed

Western Sandpiper

Calidris mauri

5/26/2026Lone Tree Point20 observed

Hudsonian Whimbrel

Numenius hudsonicus

5/26/2026Napa-Sonoma Marshes WA--Green Island Unit1 observed

Hooded Merganser

Lophodytes cucullatus

5/26/2026American Canyon Wetlands1 observed

Black-and-white Warbler

Mniotilta varia

5/26/2026Bouverie Preserve (limited access)1 observed

Black Skimmer

Rynchops niger

5/25/2026Salt Intake - Napa-Sonoma Marshes WA--Napa River Units - Pond 12 observed

Elegant Tern

Thalasseus elegans

5/24/2026Highway 37 - Sloughs Along Road to the South2 observed

Lawrence's Goldfinch

Spinus lawrencei

5/24/2026Sonoma State University campus2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

55/23/2026

California Quail

25/23/2026

Great Egret

45/23/2026

Turkey Vulture

35/23/2026

Northern Harrier

15/23/2026

Bald Eagle

15/23/2026

Western Kingbird

15/23/2026

Common Raven

25/23/2026

Barn Swallow

15/23/2026

Bushtit

25/23/2026

Marsh Wren

65/23/2026

Northern Mockingbird

15/23/2026

House Finch

85/23/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

25/23/2026

Song Sparrow

85/23/2026

California Towhee

15/23/2026

Western Meadowlark

15/23/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

85/23/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

25/23/2026

Brewer's Blackbird

25/23/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.

  2. 2

    Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.

  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 Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge - Reclamation Road for birding?
The best months to visit San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge - Reclamation Road for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge - Reclamation Road?
Notable species at San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge - Reclamation Road include Northern Shoveler, American Wigeon, Canvasback, Anna's Hummingbird, American Avocet. The area supports coastal, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge - Reclamation Road?
Birding at San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge - Reclamation Road is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge - Reclamation Road?
San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge - Reclamation Road offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.