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Description
Middle Harbor Shoreline is a great place for winter shorebird, grebe, gull and duck viewing. Low tide can expose the mudflat and bring good numbers of birds, but come at a slightly higher tide and the birds may be closer to shore for easier viewing. The harbor also drops off into deeper water frequented by ducks and grebes. Hike out to the tip of the mole for a chance to spot Surf Scoter and Common Loon along with the cormorants that dot the rocks.
Some of the most common winter birds are Greater Scaup, Western Grebe and Clark's Grebe, Bufflehead, Ruddy Duck, Marbled Godwit and Willet. Least Sandpiper, Western Sandpiper, Dunlin and Long-billed Curlew can all be found feeding at low tide. In spring and summer, California Least Tern from the nearby breeding colony can be seen fishing in the water. Caspian Tern, Elegant Tern and Forster's Tern can all also be seen here. Short-billed Gull flock here in the winter reliably in large numbers.
Summer is a lot quieter, though the Nuttall's White-crowned Sparrow breeds here, along with Black Phoebe, American Crow and Barn Swallow .
Details
Access
The park is best accessed by going west on 7th Street from I-880/West Oakland BART Station area. There is no public transit to the site. The park is accessible by bike, but note that during the week you may encounter heavy truck traffic while the port is in operation.
There is ample parking including ADA spaces. There are concrete sidewalks and a large concrete section along the water, but also decomposed granite (DG) paths which are can be worn and uneven. There are two sets of restrooms, one at the parking lot and one at the observation tower. Site upgrades are proposed and might be constructed in the future.
Though there is on site security, they advise visitors not to leave anything of value in their cars. The parking lot is gated and opens at 8 a.m. and closes at dusk, but there is an after hours one-way vehicle exit.
Please note that dogs are not allowed, except for on-leash service animals.
Terrain and Habitat
Beach , Mud flats , Park , Wetland , Scattered trees and bushesConditions
Flat , Open landscape , No shadowCircular trail
NoIs a telescope useful?
Can be usefulGood birding season
Winter , Spring , AutumnBest time to visit
WinterRoute
Wide path , Unpaved roadDifficulty walking trail
EasyAccessible by
Foot , Bicycle , WheelchairBirdwatching hide / platform
NoExtra info
This park also provides a great view of the San Francisco skyline and Bay Bridge and is a popular spot to view the sunset.
Port View Park is nearby with a small parking lot and can be another viewing option.
Links
- eBird Hotspot - Middle Harbor Shoreline
- Port of Oakland MHSP Website
- Ebird bar charts of bird species by month
- Tides Table