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

Yellow-breasted Chat

Icteria virens

6/1/2026Cypress Grove, Marshall US-CA (38.1657,-122.8991)1 observed

Red-eyed Vireo

Vireo olivaceus

6/1/2026Pt. Reyes--Fish Docks (DO NOT INCLUDE Chimney Rock area)1 observed

Red-shouldered Hawk

Buteo lineatus

6/1/2026Pt. Reyes--Fish Docks (DO NOT INCLUDE Chimney Rock area)1 observed

Hammond's Flycatcher

Empidonax hammondii

6/1/2026Pt. Reyes--Lighthouse1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

6/1/2026Cypress Grove, Marshall US-CA (38.1657,-122.8991)1 observed

Wrentit

Chamaea fasciata

6/1/2026Pt. Reyes--Drakes Beach (DO NOT INCLUDE Horseshoe Pond or beach/estero beyond Horseshoe Pond)2 observed

California Scrub-Jay

Aphelocoma californica

6/1/2026Pt. Reyes--Drakes Beach (DO NOT INCLUDE Horseshoe Pond or beach/estero beyond Horseshoe Pond)1 observed

White-winged Scoter

Melanitta deglandi

6/1/2026Pt. Reyes--Drakes Beach (DO NOT INCLUDE Horseshoe Pond or beach/estero beyond Horseshoe Pond)1 observed

Hermit Thrush

Catharus guttatus

6/1/2026Pt. Reyes Bird Observatory--Palomarin1 observed

White-faced Ibis

Plegadis chihi

5/31/2026Cypress Grove, Marshall US-CA (38.1657,-122.8991)9 observed

Bay-breasted Warbler

Setophaga castanea

5/31/2026Pt. Reyes--Drakes Beach (DO NOT INCLUDE Horseshoe Pond or beach/estero beyond Horseshoe Pond)1 observed

Red-necked Phalarope

Phalaropus lobatus

5/31/2026Pt. Reyes--Abbotts Lagoon4 observed

Eurasian Wigeon

Mareca penelope

5/31/2026Bird Walk Coastal Access and Smith Brothers Road1 observed

Black-and-white Warbler

Mniotilta varia

5/31/2026Pt. Reyes--Lighthouse1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Osprey

15/25/2026

Western Bluebird

25/25/2026

American Goldfinch

15/25/2026

Western Gull

25/20/2026

Brandt's Cormorant

15/20/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

15/20/2026

Western Flycatcher

15/20/2026

Violet-green Swallow

25/20/2026

Swainson's Thrush

25/20/2026

American Robin

15/20/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

15/20/2026

Song Sparrow

25/20/2026

Wilson's Warbler

15/20/2026

Northern Harrier

15/19/2026

California Scrub-Jay

125/19/2026

California Towhee

25/19/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

15/19/2026

Pacific Loon

15/19/2026

Pelagic Cormorant

35/19/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

45/19/2026

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.