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

American Goldfinch

Spinus tristis

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

Long-tailed Duck

Clangula hyemalis

5/27/2026Moss Landing--Jetty Road, north jetty & State Beach1 observed

Black Skimmer

Rynchops niger

5/27/2026Moss Landing--Jetty Road, north jetty & State Beach1 observed

Lawrence's Goldfinch

Spinus lawrencei

5/27/2026San Felipe Rd. (SCL Co.)2 observed

Cassin's Kingbird

Tyrannus vociferans

5/27/2026San Felipe Rd. (SCL Co.)1 observed

Ovenbird

Seiurus aurocapilla

5/25/2026Uvas Canyon County Park1 observed

Swainson's Hawk

Buteo swainsoni

5/25/2026Pajaro River- SCL County2 observed

Chestnut-backed Chickadee

Poecile rufescens

5/25/2026Pajaro River/Betabel Rd. area (SBT Co.)22 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

American White Pelican

75/27/2026

Cliff Swallow

165/27/2026

Northern Mockingbird

15/25/2026

American Robin

15/25/2026

Yellow-billed Magpie

25/25/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

15/25/2026

Chestnut-backed Chickadee

5/25/2026

House Sparrow

15/25/2026

Wood Duck

15/25/2026

California Quail

25/25/2026

Band-tailed Pigeon

15/25/2026

Mourning Dove

85/25/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

15/25/2026

Great Egret

15/25/2026

Turkey Vulture

35/25/2026

Golden Eagle

25/25/2026

Swainson's Hawk

25/25/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

25/25/2026

Downy Woodpecker

35/25/2026

Nuttall's Woodpecker

25/25/2026

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 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.