Giacomini Wetlands

California · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Giacomini Wetlands is a productive birding destination in California, with 234 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and Eurasian Collared-Dove 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

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

Northern Yellow Warbler

Setophaga aestiva

3/4/2026Penry Park1 observed

Western Flycatcher

Empidonax difficilis

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

Tufted Duck

Aythya fuligula

3/4/2026Las Gallinas Valley Sanitary District1 observed

Nelson's Sparrow

Ammospiza nelsoni

3/3/2026Bolinas Lagoon--Pine Gulch1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

142/26/2026

Mallard

62/26/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

12/26/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

12/26/2026

Allen's Hummingbird

12/26/2026

Sora

12/26/2026

American Coot

12/26/2026

Turkey Vulture

42/26/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

12/26/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

12/26/2026

Black Phoebe

12/26/2026

American Crow

22/26/2026

Common Raven

12/26/2026

Marsh Wren

12/26/2026

Bewick's Wren

12/26/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

32/26/2026

Song Sparrow

122/26/2026

Common Yellowthroat

22/26/2026

Northern Shoveler

52/23/2026

American Wigeon

22/23/2026

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 Giacomini Wetlands for birding?
The best months to visit Giacomini Wetlands for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Giacomini Wetlands?
Notable species at Giacomini Wetlands include Canada Goose, Mallard, Eurasian Collared-Dove, Anna's Hummingbird, Allen's Hummingbird. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at Giacomini Wetlands?
Birding at Giacomini Wetlands is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Giacomini Wetlands?
Giacomini Wetlands offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.