Tomales Bay State Park

California · Southwest

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Tomales Bay State Park is a productive birding destination in California, with 226 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts a wide variety of species 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

Northern Yellow Warbler

Setophaga aestiva

3/4/2026Penry Park1 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

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

Gadwall (Common)

Mareca strepera

2/28/2026Shollenberger Park25 observed

Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)

Colaptes auratus

2/28/2026Loma Alta OSP2 observed

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 Tomales Bay State Park for birding?
The best months to visit Tomales Bay State Park for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Tomales Bay State Park?
Notable species at Tomales Bay State Park include Sanderling, Brown Pelican, Osprey, Royal Tern, Willet. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Tomales Bay State Park?
Birding at Tomales Bay State Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Tomales Bay State Park?
Tomales Bay State Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.