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

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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

Say's Phoebe

Sayornis saya

5/30/2026Petaluma High School, Wildlife Museum And Track1 observed

Hermit Thrush

Catharus guttatus

5/30/2026Pt. Reyes Bird Observatory--Palomarin1 observed

Red-necked Phalarope

Phalaropus lobatus

5/30/2026Pt. Reyes--Abbotts Lagoon1 observed

Black Scoter

Melanitta americana

5/29/2026Pt. Reyes--Lighthouse4 observed

Harlequin Duck

Histrionicus histrionicus

5/29/2026Pt. Reyes--Fish Docks (DO NOT INCLUDE Chimney Rock area)1 observed

California Scrub-Jay

Aphelocoma californica

5/29/2026Pt. Reyes--Drakes Beach (DO NOT INCLUDE Horseshoe Pond or beach/estero beyond Horseshoe Pond)1 observed

Tennessee Warbler

Leiothlypis peregrina

5/29/2026Pt. Reyes--Fish Docks (DO NOT INCLUDE Chimney Rock area)1 observed

Wrentit

Chamaea fasciata

5/29/2026Pt. Reyes--Drakes Beach (DO NOT INCLUDE Horseshoe Pond or beach/estero beyond Horseshoe Pond)2 observed

White-faced Ibis

Plegadis chihi

5/29/2026Shollenberger Wetland40 observed

Clay-colored Sparrow

Spizella pallida

5/29/2026Pt. 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

Canada Goose

205/20/2026

Mourning Dove

15/20/2026

Turkey Vulture

55/20/2026

California Scrub-Jay

15/20/2026

Barn Swallow

15/20/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

25/20/2026

Caspian Tern

15/20/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

15/20/2026

White-tailed Kite

15/20/2026

American Crow

45/20/2026

Common Raven

15/20/2026

Tree Swallow

25/20/2026

Cliff Swallow

15/20/2026

Wrentit

25/20/2026

Western Bluebird

15/20/2026

Savannah Sparrow

15/20/2026

Song Sparrow

45/20/2026

California Towhee

25/20/2026

Spotted Towhee

15/20/2026

Mallard

125/17/2026

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.