Coastal birding habitat

Tomales Bay State Park

California · Southwest

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Tomales Bay State Park is a productive birding destination in California, with 226 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

Least Bittern

Botaurus exilis

4/17/2026Ellis Creek Water Recycling Facility1 observed

Swainson's Thrush

Catharus ustulatus

4/17/2026Salmon Creek Rd--north edge of town to Fitzpatrick Ln2 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

Greater Scaup

134/14/2026

Band-tailed Pigeon

64/14/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

34/14/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

64/14/2026

Allen's Hummingbird

24/14/2026

Glaucous-winged Gull

44/14/2026

Caspian Tern

24/14/2026

Red-throated Loon

24/14/2026

Common Loon

14/14/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

44/14/2026

Turkey Vulture

34/14/2026

Osprey

24/14/2026

Golden Eagle

14/14/2026

Belted Kingfisher

24/14/2026

Acorn Woodpecker

64/14/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

54/14/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

24/14/2026

Northern Flicker

14/14/2026

Merlin

14/14/2026

Western Flycatcher

84/14/2026

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 State Park for birding?
The best months to visit Tomales Bay State Park for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Tomales Bay State Park?
Notable species at Tomales Bay State Park include Sanderling, Brown Pelican, Osprey, Royal Tern, Willet. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Tomales Bay State Park?
Birding at Tomales Bay State Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Tomales Bay State Park?
Tomales Bay State Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.