Desert birding habitat

Ed Levin CP - Sandy Wool-Elm areas

California · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Ed Levin CP - Sandy Wool-Elm areas is a productive birding destination in California, with 206 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and Mourning Dove 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

Redhead

Aythya americana

5/30/2026Palo Alto Flood Control Basin--E. Bayshore Rd. ponds4 observed

Elegant Tern

Thalasseus elegans

5/30/2026Sunnyvale WPCP--East Pond2 observed

Lawrence's Goldfinch

Spinus lawrencei

5/30/2026Ed Levin CP--Spring Valley area1 observed

Blue Grosbeak

Passerina caerulea

5/30/2026Ed Levin CP--Calera Creek Trail2 observed

Western Gull

Larus occidentalis

5/30/2026Palo Alto Baylands1 observed

Black-chinned Hummingbird

Archilochus alexandri

5/29/2026Home1 observed

Black Tern

Chlidonias niger

5/28/2026Shoreline Park--Shoreline Lake area1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Great Blue Heron

15/30/2026

Turkey Vulture

15/30/2026

Black Phoebe

15/30/2026

Western Kingbird

25/30/2026

Chestnut-backed Chickadee

35/30/2026

Oak Titmouse

25/30/2026

Barn Swallow

35/30/2026

Cliff Swallow

25/30/2026

European Starling

35/30/2026

Western Bluebird

45/30/2026

House Finch

45/30/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

15/30/2026

Hooded Oriole

25/30/2026

Canada Goose

235/30/2026

Mallard

35/30/2026

Band-tailed Pigeon

15/30/2026

Mourning Dove

75/30/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

125/30/2026

American Coot

15/30/2026

Killdeer

15/30/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Start birding at dawn when desert birds are most active before the heat.

  2. 2

    Check around water sources, which concentrate desert species.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Ed Levin CP - Sandy Wool-Elm areas for birding?
The best months to visit Ed Levin CP - Sandy Wool-Elm areas for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Ed Levin CP - Sandy Wool-Elm areas?
Notable species at Ed Levin CP - Sandy Wool-Elm areas include Canada Goose, Mallard, Mourning Dove, Anna's Hummingbird, American Coot. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at Ed Levin CP - Sandy Wool-Elm areas?
Birding at Ed Levin CP - Sandy Wool-Elm areas is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Ed Levin CP - Sandy Wool-Elm areas?
Ed Levin CP - Sandy Wool-Elm areas offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.