Heron's Head Park

California · Southwest

Habitat
Urban Park
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-May

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open daily, sunrise to sunset

About This Location

Heron's Head Park is a productive birding destination in California, with 212 species recorded on eBird. This urban park habitat attracts Canada Goose, American Wigeon, and Lesser Scaup 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

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

Northern Yellow Warbler

Setophaga aestiva

3/6/2026Harborview Park and Freshwater Marsh - CBA 100371 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

Barrow's Goldeneye

Bucephala islandica

3/6/2026Coyote Point County Park1 observed

Black-and-white Warbler

Mniotilta varia

3/6/2026Golden Gate Park--McLaren Lodge/Horseshoe Pits/Northeast Entrance1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Bufflehead

43/6/2026

Black-necked Stilt

23/6/2026

Willet

23/6/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

43/6/2026

Western Gull

73/6/2026

California Gull

13/6/2026

Snowy Egret

13/6/2026

Great Egret

23/6/2026

Great Blue Heron

13/6/2026

American Crow

23/6/2026

Northern Mockingbird

13/6/2026

House Sparrow

13/6/2026

Golden-crowned Sparrow

23/6/2026

Savannah Sparrow

13/6/2026

Song Sparrow

13/6/2026

California Towhee

13/6/2026

Greater Scaup

83/6/2026

Ruddy Duck

143/6/2026

Hudsonian Whimbrel

23/6/2026

Long-billed Curlew

13/6/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Visit at dawn for peak songbird activity before crowds arrive.

  2. 2

    Check flowering trees and berry-producing shrubs for seasonal migrants.

  3. 3

    Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.

  4. 4

    Check eBird hotspot data before visiting to see recent sightings and what species are being reported.

  5. 5

    Bring quality optics — a good pair of binoculars (8x42 or 10x42) makes all the difference in species identification.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Heron's Head Park for birding?
The best months to visit Heron's Head Park for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Heron's Head Park?
Notable species at Heron's Head Park include Canada Goose, American Wigeon, Lesser Scaup, Bufflehead, Ruddy Duck, American Crow, Western Bluebird, Cedar Waxwing, Wild Turkey, Rock Pigeon, Mourning Dove, Turkey Vulture. The area supports urban park habitats.
How difficult is birding at Heron's Head Park?
Birding at Heron's Head Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
Is there an entrance fee at Heron's Head Park?
There is no entrance fee at Heron's Head Park. Hours: Open daily, sunrise to sunset.
What amenities are available at Heron's Head Park?
Heron's Head Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails.