Bird Walk in Bodega Bay

Last week I wrote about watching The Birds. This week I’ll write about real bird watching opportunities here in Bodega Bay. This is a bird watcher's paradise! The Audubon Society says “Bodega Bay is probably the hottest birding spot in Sonoma County. More rare birds have been spotted here than in any other area in the County.” It’s not unusual to see groups of bird watchers with their cameras, binoculars, or telescopes perched on tripods, along the marshes, harbor and bay.

We have a wonderful new path that connects Doran Beach Regional Park and Bird Walk Coastal Access Park. It runs from Doran Beach, along Doran Park Marsh and tidal channels, over a spiffy new 110' bridge that spans Cheney Creek, and connects to the Bird Walk Park up on the levees.


A Sonoma County Parks press release says “Doran Beach Regional Park offers a wide variety of coastal recreation opportunities, attracting 300,000 annual visits from people enjoying the spectacular views, two miles of sandy beach, and camping, fishing, and boat launching facilities. Bird Walk Coastal Access is a revitalized saltwater marsh offering a unique opportunity for coastal wildlife viewing.”


The popular one-mile Bird Walk path loops around 26’ high, 10’ wide levees that were constructed to hold spoils from the dredging of Bodega Bay in 1980. In the 1990s, the County improved the two resulting ponds for the benefit of bird and wildlife habitat and they continue to flourish. (We lived in Petaluma for 14 years before moving here and so it reminds me a little of Shollenberger Park.)


The 14-acre marshland area fills with water in winter (usually) and is frequented by waterfowl and shore birds. During a recent walk, we saw a great white heron, snowy egrets, Canadian geese, mallard ducks, seagulls, and little ones that looked like miniature sandpipers. I’ll have to look them up in my Audubon book.

From this elevated path, you’ll also see gorgeous views of Doran Marsh, Doran Beach Park, Bodega Bay and Harbor, and Bodega Head.

Last weekend, volunteers planted 200 native plants as part of an on-going habitat restoration effort. I've also seen them pulling out the non-native, invasive ice plants. If you're interested in helping, check this out.

I’m happy to report dogs are allowed on leashes and most people stick to the rules. It’s an easy walk and our small dogs love it.

To access this trail, there’s a 10-space parking lot right off Hwy. 1 at the south end of town (between Smith Brothers Rd. and Doran Park Rd.), or you can start at the other end by entering through Doran Beach Park. Have fun!