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

Black Skimmer

Rynchops niger

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

Bald Eagle

Haliaeetus leucocephalus

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

Cassin's Kingbird

Tyrannus vociferans

7/18/2026San Felipe Rd. (SCL Co.)1 observed

Common Gallinule

Gallinula galeata

7/18/2026Zmudowski SB1 observed

Long-tailed Duck

Clangula hyemalis

7/17/2026Moss Landing--Jetty Road, north jetty & State Beach1 observed

California Condor

Gymnogyps californianus

7/17/2026Anderson Lake CP--Rosendin Park1 observed

Black-chinned Hummingbird

Archilochus alexandri

7/16/2026258 Boulay Ct, Morgan Hill US-CA 37.18030, -121.717751 observed

Lesser Scaup

Aythya affinis

7/16/2026College Lake2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

American White Pelican

87/18/2026

Turkey Vulture

187/18/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

17/18/2026

American Kestrel

17/18/2026

Black Phoebe

47/18/2026

American Crow

77/18/2026

Barn Swallow

167/18/2026

Cliff Swallow

247/18/2026

European Starling

807/18/2026

House Sparrow

87/18/2026

House Finch

27/18/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

27/18/2026

Hooded Oriole

17/18/2026

Loggerhead Shrike

27/18/2026

Bald Eagle

17/18/2026

California Scrub-Jay

27/18/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

17/18/2026

Mourning Dove

27/18/2026

Yellow-billed Magpie

17/18/2026

Oak Titmouse

17/18/2026

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.