Desert birding habitat

Pajaro Dunes - general area (closed to birders as of 2024)

California · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Pajaro Dunes - general area (closed to birders as of 2024) is a productive birding destination in California, with 246 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Canada Goose, Gadwall, and Mallard 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

6/3/2026Moss Landing--Jetty Road, north jetty & State Beach1 observed

Long-tailed Duck

Clangula hyemalis

6/3/2026Moss Landing--Jetty Road, north jetty & State Beach1 observed

Lesser Scaup

Aythya affinis

6/3/2026College Lake2 observed

Sanderling

Calidris alba

6/3/2026near Pajaro River mouth (SCZ Co.) (river mouth/lagoon not in SCZ Co.)11 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Gadwall

56/1/2026

Mallard

776/1/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

36/1/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

16/1/2026

Caspian Tern

16/1/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

16/1/2026

Black Phoebe

16/1/2026

American Crow

16/1/2026

Common Raven

26/1/2026

Violet-green Swallow

36/1/2026

Barn Swallow

96/1/2026

Cliff Swallow

16/1/2026

European Starling

706/1/2026

American Robin

56/1/2026

House Finch

66/1/2026

Purple Finch

16/1/2026

Pine Siskin

26/1/2026

American Goldfinch

46/1/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

26/1/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

36/1/2026

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 Pajaro Dunes - general area (closed to birders as of 2024) for birding?
The best months to visit Pajaro Dunes - general area (closed to birders as of 2024) for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Pajaro Dunes - general area (closed to birders as of 2024)?
Notable species at Pajaro Dunes - general area (closed to birders as of 2024) include Canada Goose, Gadwall, Mallard, Surf Scoter, Bufflehead. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at Pajaro Dunes - general area (closed to birders as of 2024)?
Birding at Pajaro Dunes - general area (closed to birders as of 2024) is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Pajaro Dunes - general area (closed to birders as of 2024)?
Pajaro Dunes - general area (closed to birders as of 2024) offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.