River/Riparian birding habitat

Gilroy Ponds and Llagas Creek

California · Southwest

Habitat
River/Riparian
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Gilroy Ponds and Llagas Creek is a productive birding destination in California, with 207 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and White-tailed Kite 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

Chestnut-backed Chickadee

Poecile rufescens

4/17/2026Old Stage Rd, San Juan Bautista US-CA 36.83216, -121.532841 observed

Swainson's Thrush

Catharus ustulatus

4/17/2026US-CA-Royal Oaks-135 Walker Valley Rd - 36.8114x-121.71341 observed

Lawrence's Goldfinch

Spinus lawrencei

4/17/2026Calero CP--Casa Loma Rd. access1 observed

Bald Eagle

Haliaeetus leucocephalus

4/15/2026Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve Boardwalk1 observed

Solitary Sandpiper

Tringa solitaria

4/15/2026stakeout Solitary Sandpiper, Castroville (2025&26)1 observed

Black Skimmer

Rynchops niger

4/13/2026Moss Landing--Jetty Road, north jetty & State Beach1 observed

Common Loon

Gavia immer

4/12/2026Uvas Reservoir1 observed

Cassin's Kingbird

Tyrannus vociferans

4/11/2026San Felipe Rd. (SCL Co.)1 observed

Swainson's Hawk

Buteo swainsoni

4/11/2026San Felipe Rd. (SCL Co.)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

24/16/2026

California Quail

24/16/2026

Wild Turkey

14/16/2026

Rock Pigeon

204/16/2026

Band-tailed Pigeon

14/16/2026

Cooper's Hawk

14/16/2026

Acorn Woodpecker

44/16/2026

American Kestrel

14/16/2026

Black Phoebe

14/16/2026

Western Kingbird

14/16/2026

Northern Mockingbird

14/16/2026

California Towhee

14/16/2026

Mourning Dove

24/16/2026

Turkey Vulture

34/16/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

14/16/2026

Northern Flicker

14/16/2026

American Crow

34/16/2026

Oak Titmouse

14/16/2026

Violet-green Swallow

24/16/2026

Northern House Wren

14/16/2026

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 Gilroy Ponds and Llagas Creek for birding?
The best months to visit Gilroy Ponds and Llagas Creek for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Gilroy Ponds and Llagas Creek?
Notable species at Gilroy Ponds and Llagas Creek include Canada Goose, Mallard, White-tailed Kite, Red-tailed Hawk, American Kestrel. The area supports river/riparian habitats.
How difficult is birding at Gilroy Ponds and Llagas Creek?
Birding at Gilroy Ponds and Llagas Creek is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Gilroy Ponds and Llagas Creek?
Gilroy Ponds and Llagas Creek offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.