Point Reyes - Limantour Spit

California · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Point Reyes - Limantour Spit is a productive birding destination in California, with 216 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Surf Scoter, Bufflehead, and Long-billed Curlew 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

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

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 - Limantour Spit for birding?
The best months to visit Point Reyes - Limantour Spit for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Point Reyes - Limantour Spit?
Notable species at Point Reyes - Limantour Spit include Surf Scoter, Bufflehead, Long-billed Curlew, Marbled Godwit, Great Egret. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at Point Reyes - Limantour Spit?
Birding at Point Reyes - Limantour Spit is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Point Reyes - Limantour Spit?
Point Reyes - Limantour Spit offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.