Local Birding Recommendations
Headed to the Buteo Books neighborhood? If you have the time to go birding before or after you visit the shop, here are just a few of our favorite local spots!
Las Gallinas Ponds, San Rafael.
Easy parking. Flat, well-established paths. So many birds! Depending on the time of year, you can see dabbling ducks, diving ducks, herons, egrets, cormorants, gulls, terns, grebes, Common Gallinules, Great White Pelicans, many species of sparrow, black phoebes, marsh wrens, yellow-rumped warblers, swallows, raptors…
Lake Lagunitas, Fairfax.
Parking fee required. You’ll make a short climb from parking lot to the lake, then it’s a gentle walk around the lake. Great place to see Acorn Woodpeckers, Pileated Woodpeckers, California Quail, Wood Ducks, Belted Kingfishers, swallows, warblers, raptors…
Marin Art and Garden Center, Ross.
A great sit spot! Plentiful free, accessible parking. Find a bench and watch or listen to finches, sparrows, thrushes, and lots more.
Hawk Hill, Marin Headlands.
Roadside parking, then a short climb on foot. If you’re visiting in September or October, this is THE place to see migrating raptors! The sight is amazing during peak migration, when you can see up to twelve different species of raptors, and hundreds and hundreds of individuals.
Bear Valley Visitor Center, Point Reyes.
Easy parking. Lots of different trails, depending on your time and ability. Great place to see California Quail, Woodpeckers, Western Bluebirds, raptors, lots of song birds.
Drakes Estero Trail, Outer Point Reyes.
Easy parking at the trailhead. Beautiful hiking spot. Great place to see bald eagles, herons, cormorants, shorebirds, ravens, and many songbirds. Also a good place to look for owls!
Mount Burdell, Novato.
Free parking. Uphill walk to a beautiful meadow and surrounding valley oaks. Great place to see Lark Sparrows, Western bluebirds, woodpeckers, raptors. In April and May you can see spring-time neo-tropical migrants such as Lazuli Buntings, Bullock’s Orioles, Western Kingbirds, and Western Tanagers.
Let us know if you spot any lifers or cool birds at any of these locations! And if you've got a suggestion for another hotspot to add to the map, drop us a line any time - we'd love to discover a hidden gem or learn about which trail or park is your favorite and why.