Nicasio Reservoir

California · Southwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Nicasio Reservoir is a productive birding destination in California, with 221 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Canada Goose, American Wigeon, and Pied-billed Grebe among many others. The unique desert and riparian habitats support specialty species alongside wintering and migrating birds.

Location

Loading map...

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

23/4/2026

American Wigeon

43/4/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

13/4/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

13/4/2026

Great Egret

13/4/2026

Great Blue Heron

13/4/2026

Turkey Vulture

113/4/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

33/4/2026

American Kestrel

13/4/2026

American Crow

353/4/2026

Common Raven

13/4/2026

Tree Swallow

23/4/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

43/4/2026

California Towhee

23/4/2026

Mallard

23/3/2026

Ring-necked Duck

93/3/2026

California Quail

63/3/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

23/3/2026

Allen's Hummingbird

13/3/2026

American Coot

43/3/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.

  2. 2

    Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Nicasio Reservoir for birding?
The best months to visit Nicasio Reservoir for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Nicasio Reservoir?
Notable species at Nicasio Reservoir include Canada Goose, American Wigeon, Pied-billed Grebe, Double-crested Cormorant, Great Egret. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Nicasio Reservoir?
Birding at Nicasio Reservoir is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Nicasio Reservoir?
Nicasio Reservoir offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.