Hawk Hill

California · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Hawk Hill is a productive birding destination in California, with 215 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Mallard, Ring-necked Duck, and Common Goldeneye 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

Common Poorwill

Phalaenoptilus nuttallii

3/6/2026Mt. Davidson1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

3/6/2026Sunset District - Abraham Lincoln High School1 observed

White-crowned Sparrow (pugetensis)

Zonotrichia leucophrys

3/6/2026Sunset District - Abraham Lincoln High School1 observed

Blackburnian Warbler

Setophaga fusca

3/6/2026Sunset Blvd. at Quintara St. intersection and vicinity1 observed

Williamson's Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus thyroideus

3/6/20262400 Durant Avenue, Berkeley, California, US (37.867, -122.261)1 observed

Nelson's Sparrow

Ammospiza nelsoni

3/6/2026Bolinas Lagoon1 observed

Eurasian x American Wigeon (hybrid)

Mareca penelope x americana

3/6/2026Warm Water Cove Park1 observed

Harlequin Duck

Histrionicus histrionicus

3/6/2026Warm Water Cove Park1 observed

Black-throated Gray Warbler

Setophaga nigrescens

3/6/2026Golden Gate Park--Elk Glen Lake1 observed

Tropical Kingbird

Tyrannus melancholicus

3/6/2026Pier 94--salt marsh restoration1 observed

White-tailed Kite

Elanus leucurus

3/6/2026Candlestick Pt. State Rec. Area - long traveling lists - use specific hotspot where appropriate1 observed

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

3/6/2026Booker T Anderson Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

23/1/2026

Ring-necked Duck

53/1/2026

Common Goldeneye

43/1/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

13/1/2026

Western Gull

73/1/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

23/1/2026

Great Egret

13/1/2026

Great Blue Heron

13/1/2026

Wrentit

13/1/2026

Western Bluebird

63/1/2026

Song Sparrow

53/1/2026

California Towhee

23/1/2026

Turkey Vulture

13/1/2026

Common Raven

33/1/2026

Spotted Towhee

43/1/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

13/1/2026

Bewick's Wren

13/1/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

23/1/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

13/1/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

12/28/2026

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 Hawk Hill for birding?
The best months to visit Hawk Hill for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Hawk Hill?
Notable species at Hawk Hill include Mallard, Ring-necked Duck, Common Goldeneye, Red-breasted Merganser, Western Gull. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at Hawk Hill?
Birding at Hawk Hill is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Hawk Hill?
Hawk Hill offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.