Point Reyes - Drakes Beach (DO NOT INCLUDE Horseshoe Pond or beach/estero beyond Horseshoe Pond)

California · Southwest

Habitat
CoastalLake
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Point Reyes - Drakes Beach (DO NOT INCLUDE Horseshoe Pond or beach/estero beyond Horseshoe Pond) is a productive birding destination in California, with 295 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and lake habitat attracts Mallard, Surf Scoter, 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

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

Nelson's Sparrow

Ammospiza nelsoni

3/3/2026Bolinas Lagoon--Pine Gulch1 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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

23/5/2026

Surf Scoter

753/5/2026

White-winged Scoter

23/5/2026

Bufflehead

13/5/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

13/5/2026

Killdeer

13/5/2026

Hudsonian Whimbrel

83/5/2026

Long-billed Curlew

223/5/2026

Marbled Godwit

13/5/2026

Sanderling

23/5/2026

Western Gull

23/5/2026

Great Egret

13/5/2026

Turkey Vulture

63/5/2026

Northern Harrier

13/5/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

33/5/2026

Northern Flicker

13/5/2026

Black Phoebe

23/5/2026

Common Raven

53/5/2026

Tree Swallow

43/5/2026

Bushtit

23/5/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.

  2. 2

    Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.

  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 - Drakes Beach (DO NOT INCLUDE Horseshoe Pond or beach/estero beyond Horseshoe Pond) for birding?
The best months to visit Point Reyes - Drakes Beach (DO NOT INCLUDE Horseshoe Pond or beach/estero beyond Horseshoe Pond) for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Point Reyes - Drakes Beach (DO NOT INCLUDE Horseshoe Pond or beach/estero beyond Horseshoe Pond)?
Notable species at Point Reyes - Drakes Beach (DO NOT INCLUDE Horseshoe Pond or beach/estero beyond Horseshoe Pond) include Mallard, Surf Scoter, Anna's Hummingbird, Killdeer, Hudsonian Whimbrel. The area supports coastal, lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Point Reyes - Drakes Beach (DO NOT INCLUDE Horseshoe Pond or beach/estero beyond Horseshoe Pond)?
Birding at Point Reyes - Drakes Beach (DO NOT INCLUDE Horseshoe Pond or beach/estero beyond Horseshoe Pond) is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Point Reyes - Drakes Beach (DO NOT INCLUDE Horseshoe Pond or beach/estero beyond Horseshoe Pond)?
Point Reyes - Drakes Beach (DO NOT INCLUDE Horseshoe Pond or beach/estero beyond Horseshoe Pond) offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.