Benicia State Recreation Area

California · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Benicia State Recreation Area is a productive birding destination in California, with 215 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Virginia Rail, Killdeer, and Wilson's Snipe 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

Williamson's Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus thyroideus

3/5/2026UC Berkeley1 observed

Black Skimmer

Rynchops niger

3/5/2026South Richmond Marshes (Stege, Hoffman) and Meeker Slough17 observed

Harris's Sparrow

Zonotrichia querula

3/5/2026Santa Venetia Marsh Preserve1 observed

Black-throated Gray Warbler

Setophaga nigrescens

3/5/2026Lafayette Reservoir1 observed

Common Murre

Uria aalge

3/5/2026Cesar Chavez Park1 observed

Nashville Warbler

Leiothlypis ruficapilla

3/5/2026Booker T Anderson Park1 observed

Brant

Branta bernicla

3/4/2026Grizzly Island Wildlife Refuge1 observed

Lawrence's Goldfinch

Spinus lawrencei

3/4/2026Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve--Eastport (formerly Wilcox) Station Staging Area2 observed

Great-tailed Grackle

Quiscalus mexicanus

3/4/2026American Canyon Wetlands--west of Wetlands Edge Rd.1 observed

Tufted Duck

Aythya fuligula

3/4/2026Las Gallinas Valley Sanitary District1 observed

Tennessee Warbler

Leiothlypis peregrina

3/4/2026Booker T Anderson Park1 observed

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

3/4/2026Booker T Anderson Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

23/5/2026

Mallard

23/5/2026

Mourning Dove

13/5/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

23/5/2026

Great Egret

13/5/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

23/5/2026

Nuttall's Woodpecker

13/5/2026

Northern Flicker

13/5/2026

Black Phoebe

13/5/2026

American Crow

33/5/2026

Northern Mockingbird

53/5/2026

American Robin

163/5/2026

Cedar Waxwing

363/5/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

13/5/2026

California Towhee

43/5/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

13/5/2026

Virginia Rail

42/26/2026

Killdeer

52/26/2026

Wilson's Snipe

32/26/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

22/26/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Start birding at dawn when desert birds are most active before the heat.

  2. 2

    Check around water sources, which concentrate desert species.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Benicia State Recreation Area for birding?
The best months to visit Benicia State Recreation Area for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Benicia State Recreation Area?
Notable species at Benicia State Recreation Area include Virginia Rail, Killdeer, Wilson's Snipe, Greater Yellowlegs, California Gull. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at Benicia State Recreation Area?
Birding at Benicia State Recreation Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Benicia State Recreation Area?
Benicia State Recreation Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.