10 Best Spots for Birdwatching in Sonoma County

With Pacific Ocean beaches, a vibrant coast, healthy marshlands, and thick forests — not to mention its location on the Pacific Coast Flyway path for migrating birds — Sonoma County supports a wide diversity of amazing birdlife.

Here are some of the very best avian hot spots to visit and get your eyes full.

The Sonoma Coast

If you’re not a bird nerd already, you’ll likely become one after a visit to the Sonoma Coast. From the pelicans that soar slightly above the open water in military-like formations to the cormorants that pop up after swimming through the water, it’s easy to spot at least 10 different kinds of birds in a short afternoon. You’re sure to see seagulls, sandpipers, oystercatchers, and crows (made famous by the Alfred Hitchcock film The Birds, which was filmed in Bodega Bay.) In addition to various seabirds, you’ll also spot hawks, turkey vultures, even a pair of Eagles that made their home in the trees. The Sonoma Coastline is an absolute birdwatcher’s paradise.

Regional Park Trails in Bodega Bay

Sonoma County Regional Park trails in Bodega Bay offer superb opportunities to spot aquatic birds on the water, shorebirds in the mudflats, and waterfowl on the harbor. For excellent birding, stroll the Pinnacle Gulch Coastal Access Trail, explore trails at Doran Regional Park to spot loads of shore birds, and check out the Bird Walk Coastal Access Trail situated along a thriving saltwater marsh. 

Gualala Point Regional Park, Gualala

Situated where the Gualala River enters the Pacific Ocean, the park attracts numerous species of shorebirds. As you walk across the sand dunes beside the ocean, you’ll sometimes see vast flocks of birds rise before you, soar into the sky, fly about, and then land together in ‘new’ feeding grounds a short distance away.

Laguna de Santa Rosa Trail, Santa Rosa

This trail is a birder’s paradise thanks to the unique habitat of Sonoma County’s most extensive freshwater wetlands. More than 200 species of birds are known to reside in the Laguna or feed and rest here during migration, including egrets, hawks, sparrows, finches, woodpeckers, and even bald eagles.

Lake Sonoma, Geyserville

Nestled into a valley overlooked by mountains and bordered by 50 miles of shoreline, this vast lake and its beautiful surroundings provide a year-round residence for live-in birds and a great temporary shelter for those passing through. When you’re not birding, visit the fish hatchery, go boating, fish the stocked lake, paddle a canoe, or hike, bike, and canter on more than 40 miles of trails.

Riverfront Regional Park, Healdsburg

Located on the Russian River, this park is a nesting spot for great blue herons from January through July. You’ll see magnificent birds throughout the year, along with hawks, coots, mallards, hummingbirds, the occasional osprey, and many others.

Spring Lake Regional Park, Santa Rosa

Located on the outskirts of Santa Rosa, the park’s large size and colossal freshwater lake attract diverse birds, especially during migration. You may see a variety of geese, egrets, herons, hawks, woodpeckers, owls, jays, warblers, sparrows, and many more.

San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge, Sonoma

Situated along the Pacific Flyway, the refuge and its estuary provide a critical wintering area for West Coast migrating waterfowl. Among the regulars, both year-round and transitory, are the American white pelican, Northern harrier, American wigeon, Peregrine falcon, ring-necked pheasant, greater yellowlegs, red-necked phalarope, least tern, Western burrowing owl, and the song sparrow. 

Tolay Lake Regional Park, Petaluma

Tolay Lake is a prime habitat for hawks, eagles, owls, white-tailed kites, and many other birds. Park access is allowed through a day-use permit, guided hikes, and the annual Tolay Fall Festival.

Trione-Annadel State Park, Santa Rosa

With nearly 5,000 acres of rolling hills, trees, grasslands, and plains — mostly untouched — a great deal of wildlife thrives at Trione-Annadel, and bird sightings are plentiful.

Together, we can protect Sonoma County, preserving the beauty for generations to come. Check out our page on Sustainable Travel, and look over the Leave No Trace Seven Principles.

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Written by Sonoma County Insider Suzie Rodriguez