Friends of Bayfront Park

Birding

Bayfront Park is a great place for birding. Nearly 180 different species of birds have been spotted in Bayfront Park and its surrounding wetlands.

San Mateo Birding Guide from Sequoia Audubon Society. Bedwell Bayfront Park is listed, mapped and described. Check out this and other favorite birding sites.

Here is the full list of all species seen at Bayfront Park as of October 2008. Some of the species listed are residents or regular seasonal visitors, while others are rarities, seen only in one year, or for only a few days. It’s impressive what a small patch of hilly, grassy and tidal bayside habitat and diligent observation can produce.

But don't take our word for it. Visit Rob Pavey's website to see a gallery of beautiful photos.

Or view a checklist of some of the common birds seen at Bayfront Park.

Peter LaTourrette took this breathtaking photo of a Burrowing Owl at Bayfront in 2005.

Rare or Notable

In October-November 2007, migrating Lapland Longspurs visited Bayfront Park. Click here to see photos by Tom Merigan. Longspurs are very rare in San Mateo County. A common songbird of the Arctic tundra, the Lapland Longspur winters in open fields across much of the United States (though not California) and southern Canada. "Longspur" refers to the elongated claw of the hind toe.

In late March 2008 a red-throated loon was seen in Flood Slough, and has stayed into early April. This is the first time this species has been seen at Bayfront Park.

In early June 2008, an Eastern Kingbird was seen briefly at Bayfront Park by volunteers helping with the Palo Alto Summer Bird Count.

February 2009, a single Ross' Goose has been present.

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