Birdwatching in the Bay Area
(Image Credit: Amber Wallis, Black-necked Stilt, 2026)
By: Amber Wallis
Over the summer, I visited different nature preserves — including Lake Elizabeth, Baylands, and San Luis National Wildlife Refuge — and photographed various species. Below are some tips for birdwatching photography and different areas to visit that are great for birdwatching.
Lake Elizabeth
Lake Elizabeth is a great hotspot for birds because of the lake which attracts songbirds, ducks, herons, and other birds of prey. Aside from the finches and geese you see around California, you can also see Muscovy Ducks, Mallards, and Great Blue Herons. Arriving early is important since many of the birds are active around dawn and hunt during this time. One of the most popular spots for birds is the dock, located by the park’s visitor center. Many of the herons and ducks find food here, and the neighbouring trees provide a good opportunity to spot smaller birds such as Brewer’s Blackbirds and Brown-headed Cowbirds.
(Image Credit: Amber Wallis, Great Blue Heron, 2026)
Baylands Nature Preserve
Baylands is located in Palo Alto and contains a mix of tidal and marsh habitats. When I went, I walked around the whole park, visiting the duck pond and the marshes. One of the larger marsh areas contained lots of birds like pelicans, seagulls, and Forster’s terns. Also, during summer, birds like cliff swallows and barn swallows are nesting and can be seen crowding the sides of buildings or under bridges. Keeping a distance from nests is important because human disturbances can cause parents to abandon their nests or eggs. Baylands has a large diversity of birds, and I would highly recommend visiting this location for birdwatching.
(Image Credit: Amber Wallis, Barn Swallows, 2026)
(Image Credit: Amber Wallis, Forster’s Tern, 2026)
(Image Credit: Amber Wallis, Northern Mockingbird, 2026)
San Luis National Wildlife Refuge
Established in 1967, this wildlife refuge gives migratory birds a place to rest for the winter. Birds like Sandhill Cranes migrate here over the fall and winter and can be seen throughout the park. San Luis National Wildlife Refuge also provides auto tours, where you can drive through different parts of the park and observe wildlife. This provides more opportunities to see more birds from afar and visit different areas of the park that are inaccessible by trail. This refuge is also a lot further than the others in this article, and it is about a 1 – 2 hour drive from Fremont. Because of this, it can be more challenging to see birds at dawn, especially since it’s further away from the Bay Area.
(Image Credit: Amber Wallis, Swainson’s Hawk, 2026)
(Image Credit: Amber Wallis, Western Kingbird, 2026)
Birdwatching in California offers unique opportunities to see diverse wildlife and to connect with nature. From Lake Elizabeth to San Luis National Wildlife Refuge, you can see and photograph many different birds. Whether you are an experienced or beginner birdwatcher or photographer, birdwatching fosters patience, observation, and appreciation of the natural world.
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