Point Reyes - Estero Trail

California · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Point Reyes - Estero Trail is a productive birding destination in California, with 233 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Canada Goose, American Wigeon, and Bufflehead 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

Nelson's Sparrow

Ammospiza nelsoni

3/6/2026Bolinas Lagoon1 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

Swamp Sparrow

Melospiza georgiana

3/2/202672 E Washington St, Petaluma US-CA 38.23583, -122.638171 observed

Bald Eagle

Haliaeetus leucocephalus

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

Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)

Colaptes auratus

2/28/2026Loma Alta OSP2 observed

Fox Sparrow (Thick-billed)

Passerella iliaca

2/27/2026Pine Mountain Fire Rd.24 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

23/1/2026

American Wigeon

153/1/2026

Bufflehead

503/1/2026

Common Goldeneye

33/1/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

23/1/2026

California Quail

123/1/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

33/1/2026

Long-billed Curlew

103/1/2026

Willet

23/1/2026

Ring-billed Gull

63/1/2026

Western Gull

103/1/2026

Glaucous-winged Gull

13/1/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

23/1/2026

Western Grebe

23/1/2026

Common Loon

13/1/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

13/1/2026

Great Egret

33/1/2026

Great Blue Heron

33/1/2026

Turkey Vulture

23/1/2026

Northern Harrier

23/1/2026

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 - Estero Trail for birding?
The best months to visit Point Reyes - Estero Trail for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Point Reyes - Estero Trail?
Notable species at Point Reyes - Estero Trail include Canada Goose, American Wigeon, Bufflehead, Common Goldeneye, Red-breasted Merganser. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at Point Reyes - Estero Trail?
Birding at Point Reyes - Estero Trail is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Point Reyes - Estero Trail?
Point Reyes - Estero Trail offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.