Coastal birding habitat

Tomales Bay - east shore

California · Southwest

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
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

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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

Semipalmated Sandpiper

Calidris pusilla

7/14/2026Shollenberger Park1 observed

Black Scoter

Melanitta americana

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

Belted Kingfisher

Megaceryle alcyon

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

Spotted Towhee

Pipilo maculatus

7/12/2026Pt. Reyes--Drakes Beach (DO NOT INCLUDE Horseshoe Pond or beach/estero beyond Horseshoe Pond)1 observed

California Scrub-Jay

Aphelocoma californica

7/11/2026Drakes monument, Inverness US-CA 38.02899, -122.962081 observed

Red-necked Phalarope

Phalaropus lobatus

7/11/2026Pt. Reyes--Drakes Beach (DO NOT INCLUDE Horseshoe Pond or beach/estero beyond Horseshoe Pond)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Eurasian Collared-Dove

17/14/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

37/14/2026

Turkey Vulture

37/14/2026

Western Flycatcher

17/14/2026

Black Phoebe

17/14/2026

Hutton's Vireo

17/14/2026

Chestnut-backed Chickadee

27/14/2026

Tree Swallow

47/14/2026

Barn Swallow

27/14/2026

Cliff Swallow

47/14/2026

Brown Creeper

17/14/2026

Bewick's Wren

27/14/2026

House Finch

47/14/2026

Purple Finch

17/14/2026

Pine Siskin

37/14/2026

American Goldfinch

37/14/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

17/14/2026

Song Sparrow

27/14/2026

Spotted Towhee

27/14/2026

Brown Pelican

107/13/2026

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 - 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.