River/Riparian birding habitat

CARE Park (Pajaro River Picnic Area) and wastewater treatment facility

California · Southwest

Habitat
River/RiparianUrban Park
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

CARE Park (Pajaro River Picnic Area) and wastewater treatment facility is a productive birding destination in California, with 215 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian and urban park habitat attracts Mourning Dove, American Coot, and Bonaparte's Gull among many others. The unique desert and riparian habitats support specialty species alongside wintering and migrating birds.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Red-winged Blackbird (Red-winged)

Agelaius phoeniceus

7/21/2026Younger Ranch Central Grasslands- Private Access1 observed

Black Skimmer

Rynchops niger

7/20/2026Moss Landing--Jetty Road, north jetty & State Beach4 observed

Long-tailed Duck

Clangula hyemalis

7/20/2026Moss Landing--Jetty Road, north jetty & State Beach1 observed

Chestnut-backed Chickadee

Poecile rufescens

7/20/2026Cole Rd.2 observed

Rufous Hummingbird

Selasphorus rufus

7/20/2026UC Santa Cruz--Arboretum4 observed

Lincoln's Sparrow

Melospiza lincolnii

7/20/2026Schwan Lake1 observed

Lesser Scaup

Aythya affinis

7/20/2026College Lake2 observed

Bald Eagle

Haliaeetus leucocephalus

7/19/2026Elkhorn Slough--general (east of Hwy 1 only)1 observed

Baird's Sandpiper

Calidris bairdii

7/19/2026Salinas WTP (no public access)1 observed

Common Goldeneye

Bucephala clangula

7/18/2026Pajaro River mouth (MTY Co.)3 observed

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Pheucticus ludovicianus

7/18/2026US-CA-Royal Oaks-135 Walker Valley Rd - 36.8114x-121.71341 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

17/8/2026

California Quail

17/8/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

17/8/2026

Mourning Dove

47/8/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

17/8/2026

Downy Woodpecker

17/8/2026

Western Flycatcher

27/8/2026

Black Phoebe

17/8/2026

Common Raven

17/8/2026

Chestnut-backed Chickadee

47/8/2026

Cliff Swallow

37/8/2026

Swainson's Thrush

37/8/2026

American Robin

37/8/2026

House Sparrow

17/8/2026

House Finch

87/8/2026

Song Sparrow

37/8/2026

California Towhee

17/8/2026

Spotted Towhee

17/8/2026

Common Yellowthroat

17/8/2026

Wilson's Warbler

17/8/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Walk along the water slowly, scanning overhanging branches for kingfishers and warblers.

  2. 2

    Check sandbars and gravel bars for shorebirds and terns.

  3. 3

    Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit CARE Park (Pajaro River Picnic Area) and wastewater treatment facility for birding?
The best months to visit CARE Park (Pajaro River Picnic Area) and wastewater treatment facility for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at CARE Park (Pajaro River Picnic Area) and wastewater treatment facility?
Notable species at CARE Park (Pajaro River Picnic Area) and wastewater treatment facility include Mourning Dove, American Coot, Bonaparte's Gull, Ring-billed Gull, California Gull. The area supports river/riparian, urban park habitats.
How difficult is birding at CARE Park (Pajaro River Picnic Area) and wastewater treatment facility?
Birding at CARE Park (Pajaro River Picnic Area) and wastewater treatment facility is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at CARE Park (Pajaro River Picnic Area) and wastewater treatment facility?
CARE Park (Pajaro River Picnic Area) and wastewater treatment facility offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails.