Tomales Bay - east shore

California · Southwest

ModerateView on eBird Directions

Habitat

Coastal

Best Seasons

Fall Winter Spring

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Tomales Bay - east shore is a productive birding destination in California, with 202 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts a wide variety of species among many others. The unique desert and riparian habitats support specialty species alongside wintering and migrating birds.

Location

Loading map...

Notable Species

Sanderling Brown Pelican Osprey Royal Tern Willet

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

White-eyed Vireo

Vireo griseus

5/28/2026Pt. Reyes--Fish Docks (DO NOT INCLUDE Chimney Rock area)1 observed

Tennessee Warbler

Leiothlypis peregrina

5/28/2026Pt. Reyes--Nunes Ranch (A Ranch) & Road Forks Pool1 observed

Purple Martin

Progne subis

5/28/2026Pt. Reyes--Spaletta Ranch (C Ranch)1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

5/28/2026Pt. Reyes--Spaletta Ranch (C Ranch)1 observed

Say's Phoebe

Sayornis saya

5/26/20266250 Overlook Pl, Rohnert Park US-CA (38.3519,-122.6710)2 observed

Black Skimmer

Rynchops niger

5/26/2026Bodega Bay--Gaffney Pt. - includes Marine Lab and residence entrances2 observed

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher

Tyrannus forficatus

5/26/2026Point Reyes National Seashore1 observed

Eurasian Wigeon

Mareca penelope

5/26/2026Doran Regional Park - entrance pond to jetty1 observed

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Pheucticus ludovicianus

5/25/2026Pt. Reyes--Nunes Ranch (A Ranch) & Road Forks Pool1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Common Raven

45/19/2026

Violet-green Swallow

35/18/2026

Birding Tips

1
Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.
2
Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.
3
Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.

Amenities

Parking

Trails

More in California

Salton Sea

Desert oasis lake critical for Pacific Flyway shorebirds despite environmental challenges.

Point Reyes National Seashore

Pacific Coast peninsula with 490+ species and a magnet for rare vagrants.

Mono Lake

Ancient saline lake with millions of migratory birds and surreal tufa towers.

California Birding Guide

Complete guide to birding in California →

Birding Guides

Fall Bird Migration Guide

10 min read

Understanding Bird Migration

12 min read

Spring Birding in New York City

12 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Tomales Bay - east shore for birding?▼

The best months to visit Tomales Bay - east shore for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.

What birds can I see at Tomales Bay - east shore?▼

Notable species at Tomales Bay - east shore include Sanderling, Brown Pelican, Osprey, Royal Tern, Willet. The area supports coastal habitats.

How difficult is birding at Tomales Bay - east shore?▼

Birding at Tomales Bay - east shore is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.

What amenities are available at Tomales Bay - east shore?▼

Tomales Bay - east shore offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.