Tomales Bay Trail

California · Southwest

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Tomales Bay Trail is a productive birding destination in California, with 212 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Canada Goose, Bufflehead, and California Quail 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

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

Tufted Duck

Aythya fuligula

3/4/2026Las Gallinas Valley Sanitary District1 observed

Nelson's Sparrow

Ammospiza nelsoni

3/3/2026Bolinas Lagoon--Pine Gulch1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

93/1/2026

Bufflehead

603/1/2026

California Quail

13/1/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

13/1/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

63/1/2026

Ring-billed Gull

23/1/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

33/1/2026

Great Egret

13/1/2026

Turkey Vulture

93/1/2026

White-tailed Kite

13/1/2026

Cooper's Hawk

13/1/2026

Northern Harrier

13/1/2026

Belted Kingfisher

23/1/2026

Northern Flicker

13/1/2026

American Kestrel

23/1/2026

Black Phoebe

13/1/2026

American Crow

63/1/2026

Common Raven

13/1/2026

Chestnut-backed Chickadee

53/1/2026

Bushtit

123/1/2026

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 Tomales Bay Trail for birding?
The best months to visit Tomales Bay Trail for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Tomales Bay Trail?
Notable species at Tomales Bay Trail include Canada Goose, Bufflehead, California Quail, Eurasian Collared-Dove, Anna's Hummingbird. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Tomales Bay Trail?
Birding at Tomales Bay Trail is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Tomales Bay Trail?
Tomales Bay Trail offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.