Blufftop Coastal Park and Poplar Beach

California · Southwest

Habitat
CoastalUrban Park
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Blufftop Coastal Park and Poplar Beach is a productive birding destination in California, with 223 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and urban park habitat attracts Surf Scoter, Brown Pelican, and Red-shouldered Hawk 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

Barrow's Goldeneye

Bucephala islandica

3/6/2026Coyote Point County Park1 observed

Green-tailed Towhee

Pipilo chlorurus

3/6/2026Cowell Ranch Beach and Coastal Trail1 observed

Tufted Duck

Aythya fuligula

3/5/2026Oracle Pond (pond area only) along Marine Pkwy1 observed

Eurasian Wigeon

Mareca penelope

3/5/2026Belmont Slough--slough along Oracle Pkwy and area behind Oracle1 observed

Harlequin Duck

Histrionicus histrionicus

3/5/20261315 Coyote Point Drive, San Mateo, California, US (37.592, -122.315)1 observed

Northern Yellow Warbler

Setophaga aestiva

3/4/2026Harborview Park, San Mateo US-CA 37.58068, -122.314141 observed

Black-headed Grosbeak

Pheucticus melanocephalus

3/4/2026Loop trail1 observed

Black-and-white Warbler

Mniotilta varia

3/3/2026Frenchman's Creek Park1 observed

Great-tailed Grackle

Quiscalus mexicanus

3/3/2026Westlake Shopping Center7 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Surf Scoter

603/1/2026

Brown Pelican

13/1/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

13/1/2026

American Crow

13/1/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

13/1/2026

Song Sparrow

23/1/2026

California Towhee

23/1/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

63/1/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

22/28/2026

Great Blue Heron

12/28/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

12/28/2026

American Kestrel

12/28/2026

Common Raven

22/28/2026

European Starling

82/28/2026

Purple Finch

12/28/2026

Savannah Sparrow

12/28/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

12/28/2026

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 Blufftop Coastal Park and Poplar Beach for birding?
The best months to visit Blufftop Coastal Park and Poplar Beach for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Blufftop Coastal Park and Poplar Beach?
Notable species at Blufftop Coastal Park and Poplar Beach include Surf Scoter, Brown Pelican, Red-shouldered Hawk, American Crow, White-crowned Sparrow. The area supports coastal, urban park habitats.
How difficult is birding at Blufftop Coastal Park and Poplar Beach?
Birding at Blufftop Coastal Park and Poplar Beach is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Blufftop Coastal Park and Poplar Beach?
Blufftop Coastal Park and Poplar Beach offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails.