Bodega Bay - north shore (includes rail ponds)

California · Southwest

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Bodega Bay - north shore (includes rail ponds) is a productive birding destination in California, with 250 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Greater Scaup, Common Goldeneye, and Ruddy Duck 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

Common Loon

23/6/2026

Common Merganser

23/6/2026

Bufflehead

83/6/2026

Common Goldeneye

13/6/2026

Eared Grebe

13/6/2026

Greater Scaup

13/4/2026

Ruddy Duck

23/4/2026

Forster's Tern

33/4/2026

Mallard

22/28/2026

Western Gull

52/28/2026

California Gull

32/28/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

12/28/2026

Western Grebe

72/28/2026

Snowy Egret

22/28/2026

Great Egret

22/28/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

12/28/2026

Horned Grebe

12/28/2026

Great Blue Heron

12/28/2026

Belted Kingfisher

12/28/2026

California Scrub-Jay

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 Bodega Bay - north shore (includes rail ponds) for birding?
The best months to visit Bodega Bay - north shore (includes rail ponds) for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Bodega Bay - north shore (includes rail ponds)?
Notable species at Bodega Bay - north shore (includes rail ponds) include Greater Scaup, Common Goldeneye, Ruddy Duck, Forster's Tern, Mallard. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Bodega Bay - north shore (includes rail ponds)?
Birding at Bodega Bay - north shore (includes rail ponds) is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Bodega Bay - north shore (includes rail ponds)?
Bodega Bay - north shore (includes rail ponds) offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.