Desert birding habitat

Moonglow Dairy (Fri-Sun only; closed Mon-Thur)

California · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Moonglow Dairy (Fri-Sun only; closed Mon-Thur) is a productive birding destination in California, with 298 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Canada Goose, Cinnamon Teal, and Northern Shoveler 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

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

Common Gallinule

Gallinula galeata

7/18/2026Zmudowski SB1 observed

Royal Tern

Thalasseus maximus

7/18/2026Seaside State Beach (hotel & seawatch)1 observed

Long-tailed Duck

Clangula hyemalis

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

American Kestrel

Falco sparverius

7/16/2026Naval Support Activity Monterey & Del Monte Lake (Restricted Access)1 observed

Lesser Scaup

Aythya affinis

7/16/2026College Lake2 observed

Lawrence's Goldfinch

Spinus lawrencei

7/15/2026my backyard1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

7/15/2026Monterey--Presidio (lower)1 observed

Black Skimmer

Rynchops niger

7/15/2026Elkhorn Slough--general (east of Hwy 1 only)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

97/17/2026

Mallard

77/17/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

17/17/2026

Mourning Dove

17/17/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

17/17/2026

Black-necked Stilt

17/17/2026

Black-bellied Plover

37/17/2026

Killdeer

27/17/2026

Semipalmated Plover

57/17/2026

Hudsonian Whimbrel

17/17/2026

Long-billed Curlew

207/17/2026

Marbled Godwit

357/17/2026

Willet

3207/17/2026

Western Sandpiper

257/17/2026

Ring-billed Gull

37/17/2026

Western Gull

907/17/2026

California Gull

307/17/2026

Caspian Tern

27/17/2026

Elegant Tern

4207/17/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

27/17/2026

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 Moonglow Dairy (Fri-Sun only; closed Mon-Thur) for birding?
The best months to visit Moonglow Dairy (Fri-Sun only; closed Mon-Thur) for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Moonglow Dairy (Fri-Sun only; closed Mon-Thur)?
Notable species at Moonglow Dairy (Fri-Sun only; closed Mon-Thur) include Canada Goose, Cinnamon Teal, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, Mallard. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at Moonglow Dairy (Fri-Sun only; closed Mon-Thur)?
Birding at Moonglow Dairy (Fri-Sun only; closed Mon-Thur) is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Moonglow Dairy (Fri-Sun only; closed Mon-Thur)?
Moonglow Dairy (Fri-Sun only; closed Mon-Thur) offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.