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

7/19/2026Las Gallinas Valley Sanitary District3 observed

Least Tern

Sternula antillarum

7/19/2026Pt. Pinole Regional Park1 observed

Ruddy Turnstone

Arenaria interpres

7/19/2026San Pablo Bay NWR-- Tern Island2 observed

American Herring Gull

Larus smithsonianus

7/19/2026San Pablo Bay NWR-- Tern Island1 observed

Black Skimmer

Rynchops niger

7/18/2026San Pablo Bay NWR-- Tern Island1 observed

Cackling Goose

Branta hutchinsii

7/18/2026Las Gallinas Valley Sanitary District1 observed

Red-breasted Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus ruber

7/17/2026580 Evergreen Rd Bolinas, CA1 observed

Dunlin

Calidris alpina

7/16/2026San Pablo Bay NWR--"Alco Ponds"/South of Hwy 372 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Anna's Hummingbird

17/19/2026

California Towhee

27/19/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

17/19/2026

Northern Mockingbird

17/19/2026

Canada Goose

187/19/2026

Mallard

47/19/2026

Least Bittern

37/19/2026

Northern Harrier

17/19/2026

Black Phoebe

27/19/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

57/19/2026

Cooper's Hawk

17/19/2026

American Barn Owl

27/19/2026

Mute Swan

67/19/2026

Common Merganser

17/19/2026

Ruddy Duck

27/19/2026

Mourning Dove

57/19/2026

Common Gallinule

207/19/2026

American Coot

57/19/2026

Killdeer

37/19/2026

Bonaparte's Gull

47/19/2026

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.