Bolinas Lagoon

California · Southwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Bolinas Lagoon is a productive birding destination in California, with 308 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Green-winged Teal, Bufflehead, 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

Harris's Sparrow

Zonotrichia querula

3/5/2026Santa Venetia Marsh Preserve1 observed

Broad-winged Hawk

Buteo platypterus

3/5/2026Tree next to San Jose Ave1 observed

Wrentit

Chamaea fasciata

3/5/2026Pt. Reyes--Drakes Beach (DO NOT INCLUDE Horseshoe Pond or beach/estero beyond Horseshoe Pond)1 observed

California Scrub-Jay

Aphelocoma californica

3/5/2026Pt. Reyes--Drakes Beach (DO NOT INCLUDE Horseshoe Pond or beach/estero beyond Horseshoe Pond)2 observed

Blackburnian Warbler

Setophaga fusca

3/5/2026Sunset Blvd. at Quintara St. intersection and vicinity1 observed

Black-and-white Warbler

Mniotilta varia

3/5/2026Golden Gate Park--Hippie Hill & Tennis Complex1 observed

Hermit Warbler

Setophaga occidentalis

3/5/2026Golden Gate Park--Hippie Hill & Tennis Complex1 observed

Wilson's Warbler

Cardellina pusilla

3/5/2026Golden Gate Park--Arboretum (San Francisco Botanical Garden)1 observed

Western Tanager

Piranga ludoviciana

3/5/2026McKinley Square1 observed

Western Flycatcher

Empidonax difficilis

3/4/2026Pt. Reyes--Bear Valley Visitor Center1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Green-winged Teal

93/1/2026

Bufflehead

103/1/2026

Ruddy Duck

43/1/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

13/1/2026

American Avocet

13/1/2026

Marbled Godwit

53/1/2026

Ring-billed Gull

63/1/2026

Snowy Egret

13/1/2026

Great Egret

13/1/2026

Spotted Towhee

13/1/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

53/1/2026

American Wigeon

862/22/2026

Mallard

22/22/2026

Long-billed Curlew

22/22/2026

Willet

12/22/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

12/22/2026

Turkey Vulture

12/22/2026

Belted Kingfisher

12/22/2026

Steller's Jay

102/22/2026

Bewick's Wren

12/22/2026

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 Bolinas Lagoon for birding?
The best months to visit Bolinas Lagoon for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Bolinas Lagoon?
Notable species at Bolinas Lagoon include Green-winged Teal, Bufflehead, Ruddy Duck, Anna's Hummingbird, American Avocet. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Bolinas Lagoon?
Birding at Bolinas Lagoon is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Bolinas Lagoon?
Bolinas Lagoon offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.