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

Belted Kingfisher

Megaceryle alcyon

7/13/2026Pt. Reyes--Drakes Beach (DO NOT INCLUDE Horseshoe Pond or beach/estero beyond Horseshoe Pond)1 observed

Black Scoter

Melanitta americana

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

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

California Scrub-Jay

Aphelocoma californica

7/11/2026Drakes monument, Inverness US-CA 38.02899, -122.962081 observed

Red-necked Phalarope

Phalaropus lobatus

7/11/2026Pt. Reyes--Drakes Beach (DO NOT INCLUDE Horseshoe Pond or beach/estero beyond Horseshoe Pond)1 observed

Grasshopper Sparrow

Ammodramus savannarum

7/11/2026Pt. Reyes--Mendoza Ranch (B Ranch)2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Black-crowned Night Heron

87/6/2026

Green Heron

37/6/2026

Great Egret

27/6/2026

White-tailed Kite

17/6/2026

Northern Harrier

17/6/2026

Downy Woodpecker

17/6/2026

American Kestrel

17/6/2026

Black Phoebe

47/6/2026

California Scrub-Jay

67/6/2026

American Crow

177/6/2026

Barn Swallow

247/6/2026

Cliff Swallow

17/6/2026

Bushtit

87/6/2026

Bewick's Wren

27/6/2026

Song Sparrow

57/6/2026

Spotted Towhee

37/6/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

57/6/2026

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.