Coastal birding habitat

Tomales Bay Trail

California · Southwest

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Tomales Bay Trail is a productive birding destination in California, with 212 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Canada Goose, Bufflehead, and California Quail among many others. The unique desert and riparian habitats support specialty species alongside wintering and migrating birds.

Location

Loading map...

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

Stilt Sandpiper

Calidris himantopus

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

Swainson's Thrush

Catharus ustulatus

4/17/2026Five Brooks Pond1 observed

Palm Warbler

Setophaga palmarum

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

Ring-necked Duck

Aythya collaris

4/11/2026Pt. Reyes--Mendoza Ranch (B Ranch)2 observed

Elegant Tern

Thalasseus elegans

4/11/2026Pt. Reyes--Lighthouse3 observed

Wrentit

Chamaea fasciata

4/11/2026Pt. Reyes--Drakes Beach (DO NOT INCLUDE Horseshoe Pond or beach/estero beyond Horseshoe Pond)1 observed

Olive-sided Flycatcher

Contopus cooperi

4/10/2026200 Mountain King Rd, Lagunitas US-CA 38.02963, -122.706331 observed

Blue-winged x Cinnamon Teal (hybrid)

Spatula discors x cyanoptera

4/9/2026Pacheco Pond1 observed

Palm Warbler (Western)

Setophaga palmarum

4/8/2026Chimney Rock Trail, Inverness US-CA 37.99526, -122.979381 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

24/7/2026

Cinnamon Teal

14/7/2026

Mallard

124/7/2026

Common Merganser

14/7/2026

Rufous Hummingbird

24/7/2026

Allen's Hummingbird

14/7/2026

Great Egret

14/7/2026

Turkey Vulture

14/7/2026

White-tailed Kite

14/7/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

24/7/2026

California Scrub-Jay

14/7/2026

American Crow

14/7/2026

Common Raven

14/7/2026

Chestnut-backed Chickadee

14/7/2026

Wrentit

14/7/2026

Bewick's Wren

14/7/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

14/7/2026

Savannah Sparrow

14/7/2026

Song Sparrow

24/7/2026

California Towhee

24/7/2026

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 Trail for birding?
The best months to visit Tomales Bay Trail for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Tomales Bay Trail?
Notable species at Tomales Bay Trail include Canada Goose, Bufflehead, California Quail, Eurasian Collared-Dove, Anna's Hummingbird. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Tomales Bay Trail?
Birding at Tomales Bay Trail is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Tomales Bay Trail?
Tomales Bay Trail offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.