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

Arctic Loon

Gavia arctica

6/1/2026Moss Landing--Jetty Road, north jetty & State Beach1 observed

Long-tailed Duck

Clangula hyemalis

6/1/2026Moss Landing--Jetty Road, north jetty & State Beach1 observed

Horned Puffin

Fratercula corniculata

5/31/2026Pt. Pinos--seawatch only1 observed

Common Gallinule

Gallinula galeata

5/31/2026Zmudowski SB1 observed

South Polar Skua

Stercorarius maccormicki

5/31/2026Monterey Bay pelagic (MTY Co., 2+ mi offshore)1 observed

Cocos Booby

Sula brewsteri

5/30/2026Monterey Bay pelagic (SCZ Co., 2+ mi offshore)1 observed

Manx Shearwater

Puffinus puffinus

5/30/2026Pt. Pinos--seawatch only2 observed

Ashy Storm-Petrel

Hydrobates homochroa

5/30/2026Pt. Pinos--seawatch only1 observed

Hawaiian Petrel

Pterodroma sandwichensis

5/30/2026Pt. Pinos--seawatch only1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

5/30/2026Elkhorn Slough Reserve (NERR)1 observed

American Goldfinch

Spinus tristis

5/30/202650A Spring Rd, Royal Oaks US-CA (36.8701,-121.7497)4 observed

Wandering Tattler

Tringa incana

5/29/2026West Cliff Dr. at Woodrow Ave.1 observed

Black Skimmer

Rynchops niger

5/29/2026Moss Landing--Jetty Road, north jetty & State Beach1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Eurasian Collared-Dove

15/24/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

15/24/2026

Allen's Hummingbird

45/24/2026

Western Gull

95/24/2026

California Gull

25/24/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

1005/24/2026

Great Egret

405/24/2026

Great Blue Heron

305/24/2026

Turkey Vulture

75/24/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

35/24/2026

American Barn Owl

25/24/2026

Downy Woodpecker

15/24/2026

Western Flycatcher

25/24/2026

Black Phoebe

35/24/2026

California Scrub-Jay

15/24/2026

American Crow

15/24/2026

Chestnut-backed Chickadee

15/24/2026

Tree Swallow

205/24/2026

Barn Swallow

65/24/2026

Cliff Swallow

65/24/2026

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.