Half Moon Bay's many wetlands and natural preserves create an inviting environment for more than 200 species of birds — creating a bird watching paradise.

The hawk shown above was photographed along Half Moon Bay's Coastside Trail near Poplar Beach.

Half Moon Bay Area Birding

Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve 

Hwy 1, 16 miles south of Half Moon Bay  (650) 879-2170

Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve is a popular spot for bird watchers and other naturalists. The Reserve is a refuge for blue heron, kites, deer, raccoons, foxes and skunks.

As one of the most important remaining wetlands on the California Coast,  each year thousands of birds rest and feed at the preserve — providing a wonderful opportunity to watch almost 200 species of birds. 

The best bird watching times are late fall and early spring.  If you are interested, the Audubon Society offers walking tours. 

Pillar Point Marsh 

(Fitzgerald Marine Reserve) (650) 728-3584 

This unique marsh may be small, but it is an important habitat for local and migrating birds.  Bird watchers at Pillar Point Marsh have sighted nearly 20% of all North American bird species.  The other amazing fact about this marsh is it is fed by both fresh and salt water.   More >>

Coastside Trail — Half Moon Bay

Half Moon Bay State Beach 95 Kelly Avenue, Half Moon Bay, CA  (650) 726-8819

The Half Moon Bay Coastside Trail runs along the eastern boundary of the four Half Moon Bay area beaches providing close to three miles of multi-use trails to walk, jog or ride bikes.

The green space that runs along the trail  at Poplar Beach is ideal for watching a variety of birds ranging for Blue Herons to Red Tail Hawks.  The photo of the hawk sitting on the split rail fence was taken at this location.  (Poplar Beach is operated by the City of Half Moon Bay.)  More >>

Organizations and Articles of Interest:

||   Protecting the Snowy Plover – New Rules and Regulations

||   Sequoia Audubon Society – Environmental Education and Conservation