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

California · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
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

Common Ringed Plover

Charadrius hiaticula

3/5/2026Moss Landing--Jetty Road, north jetty & State Beach1 observed

Tropical Kingbird

Tyrannus melancholicus

3/5/2026Laguna Grande Park1 observed

Barrow's Goldeneye

Bucephala islandica

3/5/2026San Lorenzo River mouth1 observed

Hooded Oriole

Icterus cucullatus

3/5/2026Soquel, Crestline Way1 observed

Swainson's Hawk

Buteo swainsoni

3/5/2026Cortez Park (SCZ Co.)1 observed

Scaly-breasted Munia

Lonchura punctulata

3/4/2026My yard, Carr Ave., Aromas3 observed

Chestnut-backed Chickadee

Poecile rufescens

3/4/2026My yard, Carr Ave., Aromas1 observed

Broad-billed Hummingbird

Cynanthus latirostris

3/4/2026stakeout Broad-billed Hummingbird, Salinas (2026)1 observed

Bell's Sparrow

Artemisiospiza belli

3/4/2026Fort Ord Dunes SP1 observed

Common Raven

Corvus corax

3/4/2026Fort Ord Dunes SP2 observed

Mountain Bluebird

Sialia currucoides

3/4/2026Naval Support Activity Monterey & Del Monte Lake (Restricted Access)1 observed

Black Skimmer

Rynchops niger

3/4/2026Elkhorn Slough--Estrada & North marsh and/or Kirby Park1 observed

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

3/4/2026Pacific Grove--Greenwood Park1 observed

Harris's Sparrow

Zonotrichia querula

3/4/2026Seaside--Shafer Street1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

52/21/2026

Gadwall

32/21/2026

Mallard

52/21/2026

Surf Scoter

1002/21/2026

Bufflehead

32/21/2026

Common Goldeneye

12/21/2026

Hudsonian Whimbrel

12/21/2026

Long-billed Curlew

102/21/2026

Marbled Godwit

502/21/2026

Willet

352/21/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

12/21/2026

Sanderling

502/21/2026

Western Gull

72/21/2026

Common Loon

22/21/2026

Brown Pelican

12/21/2026

Osprey

12/21/2026

Downy Woodpecker

12/21/2026

Black Phoebe

22/21/2026

Barn Swallow

12/21/2026

Brewer's Blackbird

52/21/2026

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.