Point Reyes Bird Observatory - Palomarin

California · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Point Reyes Bird Observatory - Palomarin is a productive birding destination in California, with 285 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Wild Turkey, Band-tailed Pigeon, and Anna's Hummingbird 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

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

Blackburnian Warbler

Setophaga fusca

3/5/2026Sunset Blvd. at Quintara St. intersection and vicinity1 observed

Wilson's Warbler

Cardellina pusilla

3/5/2026Golden Gate Park--Arboretum (San Francisco Botanical Garden)1 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

Orchard Oriole

Icterus spurius

3/4/2026Golden Gate Park--Elk Glen Lake1 observed

Black-throated Gray Warbler

Setophaga nigrescens

3/4/2026Golden Gate Park--Elk Glen Lake1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Wild Turkey

43/5/2026

Turkey Vulture

13/5/2026

Black Phoebe

13/5/2026

Steller's Jay

13/5/2026

Pine Siskin

23/5/2026

Band-tailed Pigeon

23/4/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

33/4/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

13/4/2026

Downy Woodpecker

13/4/2026

Northern Flicker

33/4/2026

Hutton's Vireo

23/4/2026

American Crow

563/4/2026

Common Raven

13/4/2026

Chestnut-backed Chickadee

63/4/2026

Bushtit

53/4/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

83/4/2026

Golden-crowned Kinglet

73/4/2026

Red-breasted Nuthatch

13/4/2026

Pacific Wren

33/4/2026

Bewick's Wren

33/4/2026

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 Point Reyes Bird Observatory - Palomarin for birding?
The best months to visit Point Reyes Bird Observatory - Palomarin for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Point Reyes Bird Observatory - Palomarin?
Notable species at Point Reyes Bird Observatory - Palomarin include Wild Turkey, Band-tailed Pigeon, Anna's Hummingbird, Turkey Vulture, Red-tailed Hawk. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at Point Reyes Bird Observatory - Palomarin?
Birding at Point Reyes Bird Observatory - Palomarin is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Point Reyes Bird Observatory - Palomarin?
Point Reyes Bird Observatory - Palomarin offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.