Coastal birding habitat

Sherman Island

California · Southwest

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Sherman Island is a productive birding destination in California, with 208 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Snow Goose and Greater White-fronted Goose 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

Red Crossbill

Loxia curvirostra

5/28/2026Home

Hermit Thrush

Catharus guttatus

5/25/2026Mt. Diablo SP--Mitchell Canyon1 observed

Hammond's Flycatcher

Empidonax hammondii

5/25/2026Mt. Diablo SP--Mitchell Canyon1 observed

Calliope Hummingbird

Selasphorus calliope

5/25/2026Mt. Diablo SP--Mitchell Canyon1 observed

Spotted Sandpiper

Actitis macularius

5/24/2026Montezuma slough wetlands Dutra Materials private1 observed

Brown Pelican

Pelecanus occidentalis

5/23/2026Northern Sherman Island Levee Road1 observed

Rock Pigeon

Columba livia

5/22/2026Potrero Hills Landfill7 observed

Turkey Vulture (Northern)

Cathartes aura

5/22/2026Potrero Hills Landfill3 observed

Western Cattle-Egret

Ardea ibis

5/22/2026Bradford Island2 observed

Nashville Warbler

Leiothlypis ruficapilla

5/22/2026Markham Nature Area1 observed

Rough-legged Hawk

Buteo lagopus

5/21/20262103 Prestwick Dr, Discovery Bay US-CA 37.89530, -121.591131 observed

Least Bittern

Botaurus exilis

5/21/2026Sherman Island1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

225/21/2026

California Quail

35/21/2026

Ring-necked Pheasant

85/21/2026

Mourning Dove

205/21/2026

Black-necked Stilt

55/21/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

95/21/2026

Least Bittern

15/21/2026

Great Egret

125/21/2026

Great Blue Heron

45/21/2026

Osprey

15/21/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

15/21/2026

American Crow

65/21/2026

Common Raven

15/21/2026

Barn Swallow

45/21/2026

Cliff Swallow

505/21/2026

Marsh Wren

655/21/2026

American Goldfinch

75/21/2026

Song Sparrow

405/21/2026

Spotted Towhee

105/21/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

855/21/2026

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 Sherman Island for birding?
The best months to visit Sherman Island for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Sherman Island?
Notable species at Sherman Island include Sanderling, Brown Pelican, Osprey, Royal Tern, Willet. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Sherman Island?
Birding at Sherman Island is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.
What amenities are available at Sherman Island?
Sherman Island offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.