Point Reyes - Abbotts Lagoon

California · Southwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Point Reyes - Abbotts Lagoon is a productive birding destination in California, with 307 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Mallard, Surf Scoter, 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

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

Western Flycatcher

Empidonax difficilis

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

Bald Eagle

Haliaeetus leucocephalus

3/1/2026Chimney Rock Trail, Inverness US-CA (37.9944,-122.9780)1 observed

Loggerhead Shrike

Lanius ludovicianus

2/25/2026185 Carmody Road, Petaluma, California, US (38.272, -122.843)1 observed

Tennessee Warbler

Leiothlypis peregrina

2/25/2026Bodega Bay--Diekman's Store area1 observed

Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle x Audubon's)

Setophaga coronata

2/23/2026Bloomfield (Town)1 observed

Nashville Warbler

Leiothlypis ruficapilla

2/21/2026Bodega Bay--Diekman's Store area1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

113/2/2026

Surf Scoter

763/2/2026

Common Goldeneye

53/2/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

13/2/2026

California Quail

113/2/2026

Black-bellied Plover

13/2/2026

Snowy Plover

513/2/2026

Sanderling

783/2/2026

Dunlin

73/2/2026

Least Sandpiper

3003/2/2026

Western Sandpiper

163/2/2026

Short-billed Gull

13/2/2026

Ring-billed Gull

823/2/2026

Western Gull

133/2/2026

American Herring Gull

23/2/2026

California Gull

153/2/2026

Glaucous-winged Gull

23/2/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

23/2/2026

Great Egret

13/2/2026

Sharp-shinned Hawk

13/2/2026

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 Point Reyes - Abbotts Lagoon for birding?
The best months to visit Point Reyes - Abbotts Lagoon for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Point Reyes - Abbotts Lagoon?
Notable species at Point Reyes - Abbotts Lagoon include Mallard, Surf Scoter, Common Goldeneye, Red-breasted Merganser, California Quail. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Point Reyes - Abbotts Lagoon?
Birding at Point Reyes - Abbotts Lagoon is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Point Reyes - Abbotts Lagoon?
Point Reyes - Abbotts Lagoon offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.