Wetland birding habitat

Waterbird Regional Preserve/McNabney Marsh

California · Southwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Waterbird Regional Preserve/McNabney Marsh is a productive birding destination in California, with 206 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mute Swan, and American Wigeon 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

Dunlin

Calidris alpina

5/26/2026Lone Tree Point4 observed

Western Sandpiper

Calidris mauri

5/26/2026Lone Tree Point20 observed

Hudsonian Whimbrel

Numenius hudsonicus

5/26/2026Napa-Sonoma Marshes WA--Green Island Unit1 observed

Hooded Merganser

Lophodytes cucullatus

5/26/2026American Canyon Wetlands1 observed

Black Skimmer

Rynchops niger

5/25/2026Salt Intake - Napa-Sonoma Marshes WA--Napa River Units - Pond 12 observed

Spotted Sandpiper

Actitis macularius

5/25/2026Waterbird Regional Preserve/McNabney Marsh2 observed

Hermit Thrush

Catharus guttatus

5/25/2026Mt. Diablo SP--Mitchell Canyon1 observed

Hammond's Flycatcher

Empidonax hammondii

5/25/2026Mt. Diablo SP--Mitchell Canyon1 observed

Calliope Hummingbird

Selasphorus calliope

5/25/2026Mt. Diablo SP--Mitchell Canyon1 observed

American Herring Gull

Larus smithsonianus

5/24/2026Waterbird Regional Preserve/McNabney Marsh1 observed

White-crowned Sparrow (Gambel's)

Zonotrichia leucophrys

5/24/2026Bryce Canyon Ct., San Ramon, CA1 observed

Elegant Tern

Thalasseus elegans

5/24/2026Highway 37 - Sloughs Along Road to the South2 observed

Long-billed Dowitcher

Limnodromus scolopaceus

5/23/2026Pacheco Marsh--Pt. Edith Trail (TransMontaigne Pipeline Trail)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Cinnamon Teal

45/25/2026

Northern Shoveler

15/25/2026

Ruddy Duck

35/25/2026

Black-necked Stilt

105/25/2026

American Avocet

555/25/2026

Killdeer

35/25/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

25/25/2026

Willet

25/25/2026

California Gull

85/25/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

25/25/2026

Great Blue Heron

15/25/2026

Canada Goose

55/25/2026

Mute Swan

65/25/2026

Mallard

125/25/2026

White-throated Swift

15/25/2026

Black Phoebe

15/25/2026

Cliff Swallow

125/25/2026

Song Sparrow

15/25/2026

Brewer's Blackbird

25/25/2026

Tree Swallow

25/24/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  3. 3

    Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Waterbird Regional Preserve/McNabney Marsh for birding?
The best months to visit Waterbird Regional Preserve/McNabney Marsh for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Waterbird Regional Preserve/McNabney Marsh?
Notable species at Waterbird Regional Preserve/McNabney Marsh include Canada Goose, Mute Swan, American Wigeon, Mallard, Mourning Dove. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Waterbird Regional Preserve/McNabney Marsh?
Birding at Waterbird Regional Preserve/McNabney Marsh is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Waterbird Regional Preserve/McNabney Marsh?
Waterbird Regional Preserve/McNabney Marsh offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.