Lake birding habitat

Pacheco Pond

California · Southwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Pacheco Pond is a productive birding destination in California, with 201 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mute Swan, and Cinnamon Teal 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

Least Bittern

Botaurus exilis

4/17/2026Ellis Creek Water Recycling Facility1 observed

Stilt Sandpiper

Calidris himantopus

4/17/2026Rush Creek OSP--Cemetery Marsh1 observed

Swainson's Hawk

Buteo swainsoni

4/17/2026The Pole1 observed

Laughing Gull

Leucophaeus atricilla

4/17/2026Bolinas Lagoon1 observed

Swainson's Thrush

Catharus ustulatus

4/17/2026Five Brooks Pond1 observed

Brown Pelican

Pelecanus occidentalis

4/16/2026Carquinez Heights (officially Crystal Pointe) Overlook7 observed

Say's Phoebe

Sayornis saya

4/16/20262133–2199 Partrick Rd, Napa US-CA 38.32172, -122.387261 observed

Red Crossbill

Loxia curvirostra

4/16/20262133–2199 Partrick Rd, Napa US-CA 38.32172, -122.387261 observed

Brandt's Cormorant

Urile penicillatus

4/15/2026South Richmond Marshes (Stege, Hoffman) and Meeker Slough1 observed

Black-and-white Warbler

Mniotilta varia

4/15/2026Muir Beach--includes beach, Redwood Creek riparian corridor, Green Gulch1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

284/16/2026

Mute Swan

404/16/2026

Northern Shoveler

604/16/2026

Gadwall

84/16/2026

American Wigeon

404/16/2026

Mallard

304/16/2026

American Coot

154/16/2026

Forster's Tern

14/16/2026

Elegant Tern

24/16/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

24/16/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

104/16/2026

Snowy Egret

304/16/2026

Great Egret

244/16/2026

Great Blue Heron

14/16/2026

American White Pelican

204/16/2026

Turkey Vulture

24/16/2026

Song Sparrow

24/16/2026

Brewer's Blackbird

34/16/2026

Cinnamon Teal

104/14/2026

Green-winged Teal

204/14/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.

  2. 2

    Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.

  3. 3

    Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Pacheco Pond for birding?
The best months to visit Pacheco Pond for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Pacheco Pond?
Notable species at Pacheco Pond include Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Cinnamon Teal, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Pacheco Pond?
Birding at Pacheco Pond is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Pacheco Pond?
Pacheco Pond offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.