Hamilton Wetlands

California · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Hamilton Wetlands is a productive birding destination in California, with 222 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Mute Swan, Cinnamon Teal, and Northern Shoveler 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

Black Skimmer

Rynchops niger

3/5/2026South Richmond Marshes (Stege, Hoffman) and Meeker Slough15 observed

Common Murre

Uria aalge

3/5/2026Cesar Chavez Park1 observed

Nashville Warbler

Leiothlypis ruficapilla

3/5/2026Booker T Anderson Park1 observed

Northern Yellow Warbler

Setophaga aestiva

3/4/2026Penry Park1 observed

Western Flycatcher

Empidonax difficilis

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

Great-tailed Grackle

Quiscalus mexicanus

3/4/2026American Canyon Wetlands--west of Wetlands Edge Rd.1 observed

Tufted Duck

Aythya fuligula

3/4/2026Las Gallinas Valley Sanitary District1 observed

Tennessee Warbler

Leiothlypis peregrina

3/4/2026Booker T Anderson Park1 observed

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

3/4/2026Booker T Anderson Park1 observed

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

3/3/2026stakeout Yellow-crowned Night Heron (2021-26), Modern Sailing School, Marinship Way1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mute Swan

43/4/2026

Cinnamon Teal

23/4/2026

Northern Shoveler

83/4/2026

Gadwall

43/4/2026

American Wigeon

203/4/2026

Mallard

93/4/2026

Green-winged Teal

203/4/2026

Canvasback

13/4/2026

Bufflehead

63/4/2026

Hooded Merganser

13/4/2026

Ruddy Duck

63/4/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

43/4/2026

Virginia Rail

13/4/2026

Sora

13/4/2026

Common Gallinule

23/4/2026

American Coot

43/4/2026

Black-necked Stilt

303/4/2026

American Avocet

1003/4/2026

Killdeer

23/4/2026

Semipalmated Plover

63/4/2026

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 Hamilton Wetlands for birding?
The best months to visit Hamilton Wetlands for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Hamilton Wetlands?
Notable species at Hamilton Wetlands include Mute Swan, Cinnamon Teal, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, American Wigeon. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at Hamilton Wetlands?
Birding at Hamilton Wetlands is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Hamilton Wetlands?
Hamilton Wetlands offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.