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

Bald Eagle

Haliaeetus leucocephalus

7/21/2026Mission Creek (SF Co.)2 observed

Short-billed Dowitcher

Limnodromus griseus

7/21/2026Presidio - Quartermaster Reach1 observed

Western Warbling Vireo

Vireo swainsoni

7/21/2026Presidio--Dragonfly Creek 1 observed

Ruddy Turnstone

Arenaria interpres

7/21/2026Ocean Beach (SF Co.)1 observed

Royal Tern

Thalasseus maximus

7/21/2026Ocean Beach (SF Co.)2 observed

White-crowned Sparrow (Gambel's)

Zonotrichia leucophrys

7/20/20261607 37th Ave, San Francisco US-CA (37.7569,-122.4961)1 observed

Black Skimmer

Rynchops niger

7/20/2026Heron's Head Park, San Francisco US-CA 37.73815, -122.372531 observed

Least Tern

Sternula antillarum

7/20/2026Heron's Head Park3 observed

Red-throated Loon

Gavia stellata

7/20/2026Presidio--Crissy Field Lagoon1 observed

Least Bittern

Botaurus exilis

7/20/2026Las Gallinas Valley Sanitary District2 observed

Great-tailed Grackle

Quiscalus mexicanus

7/20/2026Broderick - Terry Duel Site (SM Co.)2 observed

Snowy Plover

Anarhynchus nivosus

7/20/2026Pt. Pinole Regional Park1 observed

Gray Catbird

Dumetella carolinensis

7/20/2026Fort Maley1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Heermann's Gull

1007/15/2026

Western Gull

37/15/2026

California Gull

187/15/2026

Brown Pelican

77/15/2026

Turkey Vulture

67/15/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

27/15/2026

Common Raven

47/15/2026

Western Grebe

407/13/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

17/13/2026

American Crow

17/13/2026

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.