Favorite Northern California Birding Spots

Birders who live in the Marin/Sonoma/Napa/Solano counties are fortunate to be close to many birding hotspots. Some of our favorite spots are listed. Click on the link for each location for more information. The quality of the birding varies greatly with season, weather, and tides.

East Marin:

• Bothin Marsh, Mill Valley (Bayfront Park, bike trail to Sausalito)
• Strawberry Point (east side, path along shoreline)
• Richardson Bay Audubon Center
• Tiburon Shoreline and Tiburon Marsh (behind the library)
• Corte Madera marshes - Roger Harris (Shorebird Marsh, Marta's Marsh)
• Las Gallinas water treatment ponds (includes video by Jeffrey Martin)
• Rush Creek/Bahia - Atherton Ave. exit

West Marin:

• Hawk Hill
• Rodeo Lagoon
• Stinson Beach/Bolinas Lagoon/Stinson Gulch
• Five Brooks (especially for Wood Duck, Dragonflies)
• Tomales Bay (many locations, starting at the Giacomini Wetlands)
• Point Reyes National Seashore, including Bear Valley Visitor Center, Limantour Beach and Muddy Hollow, Drake's Beach, Fish Docks/Chimney Rock, Lighthouse, Abbott's Lagoon

Sonoma/Napa:

• Route 37, especially the new Culinan Ranch area just east of Mare Island
• Petaluma's Shollenberger Park and Ellis Creek water treatment ponds
• Bodega Bay (Doran Beach, Porto Bodega, Bodega Head, etc.
• Sonoma County Birdwatching Spots (extensive summary by Colin Talcroft)

Central Valley:

• Lake Solano Park
• Consumnes River Preserve
• Vic Fazio/Yolo Bypass Preserve (seasonal)