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

Least Bittern

Botaurus exilis

4/17/2026Ellis Creek Water Recycling Facility1 observed

Swainson's Thrush

Catharus ustulatus

4/17/2026Salmon Creek Road--from Fitzpatrick Lane to end of public road (including Fitzpatrick Lane)2 observed

Elegant Tern

Thalasseus elegans

4/17/2026Doran Regional Park - entrance pond to jetty5 observed

Stilt Sandpiper

Calidris himantopus

4/17/2026Rush Creek OSP--Cemetery Marsh1 observed

Laughing Gull

Leucophaeus atricilla

4/17/2026Bolinas Lagoon1 observed

Palm Warbler

Setophaga palmarum

4/14/2026Pt. Reyes--Chimney Rock (DO NOT INCLUDE Fish Docks/Life Boat station area)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Anna's Hummingbird

14/12/2026

Western Gull

724/12/2026

California Gull

74/12/2026

Common Loon

44/12/2026

Pelagic Cormorant

244/12/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

84/12/2026

Brown Pelican

24/12/2026

American Crow

54/12/2026

Bewick's Wren

24/12/2026

Western Bluebird

34/12/2026

American Robin

14/12/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

14/11/2026

Great Horned Owl

14/11/2026

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.