Stinson Beach

California · Southwest

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Stinson Beach is a productive birding destination in California, with 258 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Surf Scoter, Hudsonian Whimbrel, and Marbled Godwit 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

Broad-winged Hawk

Buteo platypterus

3/5/2026Tree next to San Jose Ave1 observed

Tropical Kingbird

Tyrannus melancholicus

3/5/2026Amador Street - fennel/willow patch and adjoining fields 37.74489, -122.379561 observed

Black Skimmer

Rynchops niger

3/5/2026South Richmond Marshes (Stege, Hoffman) and Meeker Slough15 observed

Common Murre

Uria aalge

3/5/2026Cesar Chavez Park1 observed

Blackburnian Warbler

Setophaga fusca

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

Nashville Warbler

Leiothlypis ruficapilla

3/5/2026Booker T Anderson Park1 observed

Black-and-white Warbler

Mniotilta varia

3/5/2026Golden Gate Park--Hippie Hill & Tennis Complex1 observed

Hermit Warbler

Setophaga occidentalis

3/5/2026Golden Gate Park--Hippie Hill & Tennis Complex1 observed

Wilson's Warbler

Cardellina pusilla

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

Western Tanager

Piranga ludoviciana

3/5/2026McKinley Square1 observed

Western Flycatcher

Empidonax difficilis

3/4/2026Pt. Reyes--Bear Valley Visitor Center1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Surf Scoter

243/3/2026

Hudsonian Whimbrel

13/3/2026

Marbled Godwit

113/3/2026

Willet

13/3/2026

Ring-billed Gull

23/3/2026

Western Gull

33/3/2026

Turkey Vulture

33/3/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

13/3/2026

Downy Woodpecker

13/3/2026

Black Phoebe

23/3/2026

California Scrub-Jay

43/3/2026

American Crow

33/3/2026

Wrentit

13/3/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

13/3/2026

Western Bluebird

23/3/2026

House Finch

23/3/2026

Pine Siskin

13/3/2026

Song Sparrow

23/3/2026

Spotted Towhee

13/3/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

13/3/2026

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 Stinson Beach for birding?
The best months to visit Stinson Beach for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Stinson Beach?
Notable species at Stinson Beach include Surf Scoter, Hudsonian Whimbrel, Marbled Godwit, Willet, Ring-billed Gull. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Stinson Beach?
Birding at Stinson Beach is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Stinson Beach?
Stinson Beach offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.