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

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

Rhinoceros Auklet

Cerorhinca monocerata

5/30/2026Sutro Baths--seawatch1 observed

Wood Duck

Aix sponsa

5/30/2026Golden Gate Park--Blue Heron Lake & Strawberry Hill1 observed

Hermit Thrush

Catharus guttatus

5/30/2026Mt. Tamalpais--Cataract Trail1 observed

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

5/30/2026595 14th St, San Francisco US-CA 37.76787, -122.426621 observed

Indigo Bunting

Passerina cyanea

5/30/2026East Golden Gate Park by bicycle1 observed

Ash-throated Flycatcher

Myiarchus cinerascens

5/29/2026Bernal Hill1 observed

Masked Booby

Sula dactylatra

5/28/2026Gulf of the Farallones (SF Co.)1 observed

American Kestrel

Falco sparverius

5/28/2026Pier 94--salt marsh restoration1 observed

Gadwall

Mareca strepera

5/28/2026Pier 94--salt marsh restoration1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

5/28/2026Muir Beach--includes beach, Redwood Creek riparian corridor, Green Gulch1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

California Gull

125/27/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

15/27/2026

California Scrub-Jay

5/24/2026

Bushtit

5/24/2026

Song Sparrow

5/24/2026

Spotted Towhee

15/24/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

15/23/2026

Long-billed Curlew

405/23/2026

Western Gull

305/23/2026

Brown Pelican

85/23/2026

Western Flycatcher

15/23/2026

American Crow

15/23/2026

Chestnut-backed Chickadee

45/23/2026

Western Bluebird

25/23/2026

Swainson's Thrush

25/23/2026

American Robin

25/23/2026

House Finch

85/23/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

25/23/2026

California Towhee

15/23/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

45/23/2026

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 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.