Half Moon Bay SB - Venice Beach and Pilarcitos/Frenchman's Creek Mouth

California · Southwest

Habitat
CoastalRiver/Riparian
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Half Moon Bay SB - Venice Beach and Pilarcitos/Frenchman's Creek Mouth is a productive birding destination in California, with 264 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and river/riparian habitat attracts Mallard, Surf Scoter, 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

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

Dark-eyed Junco (cismontanus)

Junco hyemalis

3/5/2026Fort Maley1 observed

Northern Yellow Warbler

Setophaga aestiva

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

Pacific Loon

Gavia pacifica

3/4/2026Ocean Beach-- across from Oceanside Water Polution Plant (FOR STATIONARY SEAWATCH ONLY)1 observed

Black-legged Kittiwake

Rissa tridactyla

3/4/2026Ocean Beach-- across from Oceanside Water Polution Plant (FOR STATIONARY SEAWATCH ONLY)1 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

Mallard

313/4/2026

Surf Scoter

393/4/2026

Bufflehead

13/4/2026

Rock Pigeon

33/4/2026

Mourning Dove

43/4/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

33/4/2026

Killdeer

13/4/2026

Snowy Plover

153/4/2026

Hudsonian Whimbrel

203/4/2026

Sanderling

303/4/2026

Heermann's Gull

23/4/2026

Western Gull

83/4/2026

California Gull

93/4/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

13/4/2026

Brown Pelican

473/4/2026

Turkey Vulture

13/4/2026

Sharp-shinned Hawk

13/4/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

13/4/2026

Black Phoebe

23/4/2026

American Crow

53/4/2026

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 Half Moon Bay SB - Venice Beach and Pilarcitos/Frenchman's Creek Mouth for birding?
The best months to visit Half Moon Bay SB - Venice Beach and Pilarcitos/Frenchman's Creek Mouth for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Half Moon Bay SB - Venice Beach and Pilarcitos/Frenchman's Creek Mouth?
Notable species at Half Moon Bay SB - Venice Beach and Pilarcitos/Frenchman's Creek Mouth include Mallard, Surf Scoter, Bufflehead, Rock Pigeon, Mourning Dove. The area supports coastal, river/riparian habitats.
How difficult is birding at Half Moon Bay SB - Venice Beach and Pilarcitos/Frenchman's Creek Mouth?
Birding at Half Moon Bay SB - Venice Beach and Pilarcitos/Frenchman's Creek Mouth is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Half Moon Bay SB - Venice Beach and Pilarcitos/Frenchman's Creek Mouth?
Half Moon Bay SB - Venice Beach and Pilarcitos/Frenchman's Creek Mouth offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.