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

Wandering Tattler

Tringa incana

5/29/2026West Cliff Dr. at Woodrow Ave.1 observed

Long-tailed Duck

Clangula hyemalis

5/29/2026Moss Landing--Jetty Road, north jetty & State Beach1 observed

Black Skimmer

Rynchops niger

5/29/2026Moss Landing--Jetty Road, north jetty & State Beach1 observed

Red Phalarope

Phalaropus fulicarius

5/29/2026Moss Landing--Jetty Road, north jetty & State Beach1 observed

Gray Catbird

Dumetella carolinensis

5/29/2026Laurent Apt.1 observed

Black-chinned Sparrow

Spizella atrogularis

5/29/2026Loma Prieta area (SCL Co.)1 observed

Lark Sparrow

Chondestes grammacus

5/28/2026Loma Prieta--Lower Saddle (SCZ Co.)1 observed

American Goldfinch

Spinus tristis

5/27/2026Ranchito Bolsa Nueva (private/offset)1 observed

Northern Shoveler

Spatula clypeata

5/27/2026Terrace Pt. and Coastal Science Campus1 observed

Common Raven

Corvus corax

5/27/2026Fort Ord Dunes SP1 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

5/27/2026Lyle Ct. Aptos1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

55/25/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

15/25/2026

Downy Woodpecker

45/25/2026

Western Flycatcher

25/25/2026

Black Phoebe

25/25/2026

Hutton's Vireo

15/25/2026

Western Warbling Vireo

15/25/2026

California Scrub-Jay

15/25/2026

Chestnut-backed Chickadee

65/25/2026

Tree Swallow

105/25/2026

Bushtit

55/25/2026

Bewick's Wren

15/25/2026

Swainson's Thrush

15/25/2026

American Robin

25/25/2026

House Finch

45/25/2026

Purple Finch

15/25/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

35/25/2026

Song Sparrow

65/25/2026

California Towhee

15/25/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

15/25/2026

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.