Point Reyes - Lighthouse

California · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Point Reyes - Lighthouse is a productive birding destination in California, with 300 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Surf Scoter, Black Oystercatcher, and Common Murre 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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Surf Scoter

452/27/2026

Black Oystercatcher

22/27/2026

Common Murre

40002/27/2026

Western Gull

502/27/2026

Brandt's Cormorant

152/27/2026

Pelagic Cormorant

32/27/2026

Brown Pelican

162/27/2026

Turkey Vulture

22/27/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

12/27/2026

American Kestrel

12/27/2026

Black Phoebe

22/27/2026

Common Raven

22/27/2026

Western Bluebird

12/27/2026

Hermit Thrush

12/27/2026

House Finch

22/27/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

182/27/2026

Golden-crowned Sparrow

12/27/2026

Savannah Sparrow

42/27/2026

Song Sparrow

72/27/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

22/27/2026

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 - Lighthouse for birding?
The best months to visit Point Reyes - Lighthouse for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Point Reyes - Lighthouse?
Notable species at Point Reyes - Lighthouse include Surf Scoter, Black Oystercatcher, Common Murre, Western Gull, Brandt's Cormorant. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at Point Reyes - Lighthouse?
Birding at Point Reyes - Lighthouse is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Point Reyes - Lighthouse?
Point Reyes - Lighthouse offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.