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

Dunlin

Calidris alpina

5/28/2026Lone Tree Point3 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

5/28/2026Muir Beach--includes beach, Redwood Creek riparian corridor, Green Gulch1 observed

Least Bittern

Botaurus exilis

5/28/2026Ellis Creek Water Recycling Facility1 observed

Hooded Warbler

Setophaga citrina

5/28/2026Green Gulch Zen Center, Zendo, Zendo Pond & Gardens Area1 observed

Hermit Thrush

Catharus guttatus

5/27/2026Crown Road Area — Baltimore Canyon OSP1 observed

Western Sandpiper

Calidris mauri

5/26/2026Lone Tree Point20 observed

Hudsonian Whimbrel

Numenius hudsonicus

5/26/2026Napa-Sonoma Marshes WA--Green Island Unit1 observed

Hooded Merganser

Lophodytes cucullatus

5/26/2026American Canyon Wetlands1 observed

Black Skimmer

Rynchops niger

5/25/2026Salt Intake - Napa-Sonoma Marshes WA--Napa River Units - Pond 12 observed

Elegant Tern

Thalasseus elegans

5/24/2026Highway 37 - Sloughs Along Road to the South2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mute Swan

305/20/2026

Cinnamon Teal

25/20/2026

Northern Shoveler

25/20/2026

Gadwall

105/20/2026

Mallard

85/20/2026

Ruddy Duck

25/20/2026

Mourning Dove

35/20/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

35/20/2026

Common Gallinule

65/20/2026

American Coot

45/20/2026

Black-necked Stilt

85/20/2026

Killdeer

55/20/2026

Forster's Tern

25/20/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

65/20/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

95/20/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

15/20/2026

Snowy Egret

55/20/2026

Green Heron

25/20/2026

Great Egret

325/20/2026

Great Blue Heron

15/20/2026

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.