Coastal birding habitat

Tomales Bay - Cypress Grove Point

California · Southwest

Habitat
CoastalForest
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Tomales Bay - Cypress Grove Point is a productive birding destination in California, with 244 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and forest habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and Common Merganser 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

Black Scoter

Melanitta americana

7/17/2026Pt. Reyes--Drakes Beach (DO NOT INCLUDE Horseshoe Pond or beach/estero beyond Horseshoe Pond)1 observed

Forster's Tern

Sterna forsteri

7/17/2026Pt. Reyes--Drakes Beach (DO NOT INCLUDE Horseshoe Pond or beach/estero beyond Horseshoe Pond)1 observed

California Scrub-Jay

Aphelocoma californica

7/17/2026Pt. Reyes--Drakes Beach (DO NOT INCLUDE Horseshoe Pond or beach/estero beyond Horseshoe Pond)1 observed

Ruff

Calidris pugnax

7/16/2026Valley Ford Wetlands (Marin Co.)1 observed

Ruddy Turnstone

Arenaria interpres

7/15/2026Pt. Reyes--Limantour Spit1 observed

Say's Phoebe

Sayornis saya

7/15/20266018–6036 Kerry Rd, Rohnert Park US-CA (38.3529,-122.6763)1 observed

Semipalmated Sandpiper

Calidris pusilla

7/14/2026Shollenberger Park1 observed

Red-winged Blackbird (Red-winged)

Agelaius phoeniceus

7/14/2026Crane Creek Regional Park1 observed

Belted Kingfisher

Megaceryle alcyon

7/13/2026Pt. Reyes--Drakes Beach (DO NOT INCLUDE Horseshoe Pond or beach/estero beyond Horseshoe Pond)1 observed

Wrentit

Chamaea fasciata

7/13/2026Pt. Reyes--Drakes Beach (DO NOT INCLUDE Horseshoe Pond or beach/estero beyond Horseshoe Pond)2 observed

Orange-crowned Warbler (lutescens)

Leiothlypis celata

7/13/2026Pt. Reyes--New Willows1 observed

Western Flycatcher

Empidonax difficilis

7/13/2026Pt. Reyes--New Willows1 observed

Lesser Goldfinch

Spinus psaltria

7/13/2026Pt. Reyes--Lighthouse1 observed

American Robin

Turdus migratorius

7/13/2026Pt. Reyes--Lighthouse1 observed

Lawrence's Goldfinch

Spinus lawrencei

7/12/2026Owl Canyon - ONLY (waterbirds from this site OK)1 observed

Least Sandpiper

Calidris minutilla

7/12/2026Pt. Reyes--Mendoza Ranch (B Ranch)8 observed

American White Pelican

Pelecanus erythrorhynchos

7/12/2026Pt. Reyes--Horseshoe Pond22 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

17/16/2026

Western Gull

17/16/2026

Great Egret

67/16/2026

Great Blue Heron

17/16/2026

Turkey Vulture

17/16/2026

Osprey

27/16/2026

Belted Kingfisher

17/16/2026

American Crow

57/16/2026

Violet-green Swallow

17/16/2026

Wrentit

37/16/2026

Western Bluebird

37/16/2026

Swainson's Thrush

27/16/2026

Purple Finch

27/16/2026

Pine Siskin

57/16/2026

American Goldfinch

67/16/2026

Song Sparrow

67/16/2026

Spotted Towhee

27/16/2026

Common Yellowthroat

37/16/2026

Wilson's Warbler

17/16/2026

Chestnut-backed Chickadee

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 Tomales Bay - Cypress Grove Point for birding?
The best months to visit Tomales Bay - Cypress Grove Point for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Tomales Bay - Cypress Grove Point?
Notable species at Tomales Bay - Cypress Grove Point include Canada Goose, Mallard, Common Merganser, Anna's Hummingbird, Allen's Hummingbird. The area supports coastal, forest habitats.
How difficult is birding at Tomales Bay - Cypress Grove Point?
Birding at Tomales Bay - Cypress Grove Point is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Tomales Bay - Cypress Grove Point?
Tomales Bay - Cypress Grove Point offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.