Coastal birding habitat

Stinson Beach

California · Southwest

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Stinson Beach is a productive birding destination in California, with 258 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Surf Scoter, Hudsonian Whimbrel, and Marbled Godwit 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

4/17/2026Golden Gate Park--Blue Heron Lake & Strawberry Hill1 observed

Bald Eagle

Haliaeetus leucocephalus

4/17/2026Pier 94--salt marsh restoration2 observed

Gadwall

Mareca strepera

4/17/2026Pier 94--salt marsh restoration2 observed

Swainson's Hawk

Buteo swainsoni

4/17/2026Presidio--Battery Godfrey1 observed

Stilt Sandpiper

Calidris himantopus

4/17/2026Rush Creek OSP--Cemetery Marsh1 observed

Laughing Gull

Leucophaeus atricilla

4/17/2026Bolinas Lagoon1 observed

Iceland Gull (Thayer's)

Larus glaucoides

4/17/2026Ocean Beach-- across from Oceanside Water Polution Plant (FOR STATIONARY SEAWATCH ONLY)1 observed

Parasitic Jaeger

Stercorarius parasiticus

4/17/2026Ocean Beach-- across from Oceanside Water Polution Plant (FOR STATIONARY SEAWATCH ONLY)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Hudsonian Whimbrel

34/10/2026

Ring-billed Gull

24/10/2026

Western Gull

64/10/2026

California Gull

14/10/2026

Great Blue Heron

14/10/2026

American Crow

64/10/2026

European Starling

14/10/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

54/10/2026

Band-tailed Pigeon

234/10/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

14/10/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

14/10/2026

Brandt's Cormorant

14/10/2026

Pelagic Cormorant

14/10/2026

Brown Pelican

14/10/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

24/10/2026

Northern Flicker

14/10/2026

Spotted Towhee

14/10/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

24/10/2026

Allen's Hummingbird

14/10/2026

Black Phoebe

14/8/2026

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 Stinson Beach for birding?
The best months to visit Stinson Beach for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Stinson Beach?
Notable species at Stinson Beach include Surf Scoter, Hudsonian Whimbrel, Marbled Godwit, Willet, Ring-billed Gull. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Stinson Beach?
Birding at Stinson Beach is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Stinson Beach?
Stinson Beach offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.