Bodega Bay - harbor and immediate vicinity

California · Southwest

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open 24 hours

About This Location

Bodega Bay - harbor and immediate vicinity is a productive birding destination in California, with 339 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Brant, Mallard, and Bufflehead 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

Chipping Sparrow

Spizella passerina

3/6/2026West County Regional Trail - Ross Station Rd to Green Valley Rd2 observed

Common Black x Red-shouldered Hawk (hybrid)

Buteogallus anthracinus x Buteo lineatus

2/27/2026Santa Rosa Creek Trail and Delta Pond (west of Willowside Rd)1 observed

Loggerhead Shrike

Lanius ludovicianus

2/25/2026185 Carmody Road, Petaluma, California, US (38.272, -122.843)1 observed

Tennessee Warbler

Leiothlypis peregrina

2/25/2026Bodega Bay--Diekman's Store area1 observed

American Dipper

Cinclus mexicanus

2/23/2026Armstrong Redwoods SP1 observed

Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle x Audubon's)

Setophaga coronata

2/23/2026Bloomfield (Town)1 observed

Vega Gull

Larus vegae

2/23/2026Jenner Beach1 observed

Nashville Warbler

Leiothlypis ruficapilla

2/21/2026Bodega Bay--Diekman's Store area1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Brant

153/1/2026

Mallard

43/1/2026

Bufflehead

303/1/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

53/1/2026

Black Oystercatcher

43/1/2026

Black-bellied Plover

13/1/2026

Hudsonian Whimbrel

13/1/2026

Marbled Godwit

4003/1/2026

Willet

403/1/2026

Sanderling

1003/1/2026

Dunlin

2003/1/2026

Least Sandpiper

1003/1/2026

Western Sandpiper

203/1/2026

Ring-billed Gull

103/1/2026

Western Gull

503/1/2026

Forster's Tern

33/1/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

13/1/2026

Horned Grebe

23/1/2026

Red-necked Grebe

13/1/2026

Common Loon

23/1/2026

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.

  4. 4

    Arrive early in the morning for peak bird activity and to secure parking at popular viewing areas.

  5. 5

    Bring quality optics — a good pair of binoculars (8x42 or 10x42) makes all the difference in species identification.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Bodega Bay - harbor and immediate vicinity for birding?
The best months to visit Bodega Bay - harbor and immediate vicinity for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Bodega Bay - harbor and immediate vicinity?
Notable species at Bodega Bay - harbor and immediate vicinity include Brant, Mallard, Bufflehead, Eurasian Collared-Dove, Black Oystercatcher, Band-tailed Pigeon, Turkey Vulture, Acorn Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Common Raven, Bushtit, Pygmy Nuthatch. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Bodega Bay - harbor and immediate vicinity?
Birding at Bodega Bay - harbor and immediate vicinity is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Bodega Bay - harbor and immediate vicinity?
There is no entrance fee at Bodega Bay - harbor and immediate vicinity. Hours: Open 24 hours.
What amenities are available at Bodega Bay - harbor and immediate vicinity?
Bodega Bay - harbor and immediate vicinity offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.