Pescadero Marsh and Natural Preserve - (North pond,lagoon and marsh trails east of Hwy 1)

California · Southwest

Habitat
WetlandLake
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Pescadero Marsh and Natural Preserve - (North pond,lagoon and marsh trails east of Hwy 1) is a productive birding destination in California, with 294 species recorded on eBird. This wetland and lake habitat attracts Canada Goose, Gadwall, and Mallard 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

Ferruginous Hawk

Buteo regalis

3/5/2026Big Basin SP--China Grade (north of Highway 236)1 observed

Black Scoter

Melanitta americana

3/5/2026Waddell Bluffs2 observed

Black-headed Grosbeak

Pheucticus melanocephalus

3/4/2026Loop trail1 observed

Black-and-white Warbler

Mniotilta varia

3/3/2026Frenchman's Creek Park1 observed

Green-tailed Towhee

Pipilo chlorurus

3/2/2026Cowell Ranch Beach and Coastal Trail1 observed

Chipping Sparrow

Spizella passerina

3/2/2026Home, El Granada, Ca1 observed

Royal Tern

Thalasseus maximus

3/1/2026Pillar Point Harbor--Denniston Creek mouth and riparian corridor1 observed

Golden Eagle

Aquila chrysaetos

3/1/2026La Honda Creek OSP (lower)1 observed

Barred Owl

Strix varia

2/28/20268580–8734 Pescadero Creek Rd, Loma Mar US-CA 37.27415, -122.301711 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

43/1/2026

Gadwall

163/1/2026

Mallard

263/1/2026

Heermann's Gull

33/1/2026

Western Gull

153/1/2026

American Herring Gull

23/1/2026

California Gull

403/1/2026

Glaucous-winged Gull

73/1/2026

Iceland Gull

13/1/2026

Snowy Egret

23/1/2026

Great Egret

43/1/2026

Brown Pelican

43/1/2026

Cinnamon Teal

22/28/2026

Bufflehead

42/28/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

42/28/2026

American Coot

32/28/2026

Killdeer

122/28/2026

Northern Harrier

12/28/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

22/28/2026

Belted Kingfisher

22/28/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Pescadero Marsh and Natural Preserve - (North pond,lagoon and marsh trails east of Hwy 1) for birding?
The best months to visit Pescadero Marsh and Natural Preserve - (North pond,lagoon and marsh trails east of Hwy 1) for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Pescadero Marsh and Natural Preserve - (North pond,lagoon and marsh trails east of Hwy 1)?
Notable species at Pescadero Marsh and Natural Preserve - (North pond,lagoon and marsh trails east of Hwy 1) include Canada Goose, Gadwall, Mallard, Heermann's Gull, Western Gull. The area supports wetland, lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Pescadero Marsh and Natural Preserve - (North pond,lagoon and marsh trails east of Hwy 1)?
Birding at Pescadero Marsh and Natural Preserve - (North pond,lagoon and marsh trails east of Hwy 1) is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Pescadero Marsh and Natural Preserve - (North pond,lagoon and marsh trails east of Hwy 1)?
Pescadero Marsh and Natural Preserve - (North pond,lagoon and marsh trails east of Hwy 1) offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.