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

Loading map...

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

Ruddy Turnstone

Arenaria interpres

7/20/2026San Pablo Bay NWR--Hwy 37 Pullout/Cullinan Ranch Trail2 observed

Least Bittern

Botaurus exilis

7/20/2026Las Gallinas Valley Sanitary District2 observed

Cackling Goose

Branta hutchinsii

7/20/2026Ellis Creek Water Recycling Facility1 observed

Snowy Plover

Anarhynchus nivosus

7/20/2026Pt. Pinole Regional Park1 observed

Common Murre

Uria aalge

7/20/2026South Richmond Marshes (Stege, Hoffman) and Meeker Slough1 observed

Least Tern

Sternula antillarum

7/19/2026Pt. Pinole Regional Park1 observed

American Herring Gull

Larus smithsonianus

7/19/2026San Pablo Bay NWR-- Tern Island1 observed

Black Skimmer

Rynchops niger

7/18/2026San Pablo Bay NWR-- Tern Island1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

House Finch

17/20/2026

Semipalmated Plover

17/18/2026

Hudsonian Whimbrel

37/18/2026

Long-billed Curlew

47/18/2026

Marbled Godwit

27/18/2026

Willet

57/18/2026

Western Gull

87/18/2026

Snowy Egret

37/18/2026

American White Pelican

227/18/2026

Turkey Vulture

37/18/2026

American Kestrel

17/18/2026

Black Phoebe

17/18/2026

Barn Swallow

37/18/2026

Northern Mockingbird

47/18/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

27/18/2026

Song Sparrow

57/18/2026

Mallard

17/11/2026

Mourning Dove

17/11/2026

Black-bellied Plover

17/11/2026

Killdeer

27/11/2026

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.