wildlife

birds

seagull at sonoma coast state beach, bodega dunes

seagull at sonoma coast state beach, bodega dunes

Because of its rich biological diversity, Sonoma County is a popular destination for bird watching. For a park dedicated to birding, visit Bodega Bay's Bird Walk. Lots of other suggested spots are listed below, including advice from the local chapter of the Audobon Society.

Keep track of your progress with a Sonoma County Bird Watching Site's County Field List, or attend one of the area's many birding events.

Bird Watching Spots

Madrone Audobon Society Birding Sites

Events

Madrone Audobon Society Birding Events


seals

seals basking in the sun at Goat Rock Beach, Jenner

seals basking in the sun at Goat Rock Beach, Jenner

Goat Rock State Beach is home to a colony of harbor seals.

You are asked to stay at least 50 yards from the seals, especially during pupping season (March - August.) Due to the protected status of the seals, dogs are not allowed on Goat Rock Beach. 

The Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods Seal Watch Public Education Program volunteers safeguard the seal habitat in four hour shifts. Docents are often available on the weekends during the pupping season and private tours can be arranged.


whales

the view from the Whale Watch Inn, Gualala

the view from the Whale Watch Inn, Gualala

Witness the annual migration of the Pacific Gray whale as they make their way from their summer feeding grounds in the Bering Sea to their calving lagoons in Mexico.

Whale watching season along the Sonoma coast starts in late November and peaks in December and January.

The migration starts with the pregnant whales, with the rest courting and mating as they follow. After reaching coastal Baja, they stay for a month or two, while birthing takes place.

The whales make their way back up the coast from February to April.

Great Whale-Watching Spots

Bodega Head, Bodega Bay

Fort Ross State Historic Park

Gualala Regional Park, Gualala

Kruse Rhododendron State Nature Preserve

Salt Point State Park

Public Access Trails, Sea Ranch

Stillwater Regional Park

 

whale watching excursions

bodega bay

Bodega Bay Sport Fishing
bodegabaysportfishing.com
(707) 875-3344

Bodega Charters
bodegacharters.com
(707) 875-3495

Fish On Bait, Tackle and Charters
bodegabayfishing.com
(707) 875-2323

Miss Anita Fishing Charters
missanitafishingcharters.com
(707) 875-3474