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

Black Scoter

Melanitta americana

7/17/2026Pt. Reyes--Drakes Beach (DO NOT INCLUDE Horseshoe Pond or beach/estero beyond Horseshoe Pond)1 observed

Forster's Tern

Sterna forsteri

7/17/2026Pt. Reyes--Drakes Beach (DO NOT INCLUDE Horseshoe Pond or beach/estero beyond Horseshoe Pond)1 observed

Red-breasted Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus ruber

7/17/2026580 Evergreen Rd Bolinas, CA1 observed

California Scrub-Jay

Aphelocoma californica

7/17/2026Pt. Reyes--Drakes Beach (DO NOT INCLUDE Horseshoe Pond or beach/estero beyond Horseshoe Pond)1 observed

Ruddy Turnstone

Arenaria interpres

7/15/2026Pt. Reyes--Limantour Spit1 observed

Semipalmated Sandpiper

Calidris pusilla

7/14/2026Shollenberger Park1 observed

Belted Kingfisher

Megaceryle alcyon

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

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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Eurasian Collared-Dove

17/4/2026

Mourning Dove

17/4/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

27/4/2026

Western Gull

47/4/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

37/4/2026

Turkey Vulture

37/4/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

17/4/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

17/4/2026

Belted Kingfisher

67/4/2026

American Crow

17/4/2026

Common Raven

67/4/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

27/4/2026

Wrentit

47/4/2026

Swainson's Thrush

37/4/2026

Song Sparrow

37/4/2026

Spotted Towhee

17/4/2026

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.