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

California · Southwest

ModerateView on eBird Directions

Habitat

DesertChaparral

Best Seasons

Fall Winter Spring

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

Canada Goose Gadwall Mallard Surf Scoter Bufflehead

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Ring-necked Duck

Aythya collaris

7/17/2026Wilder Ranch SP--Four Mile Beach1 observed

Long-tailed Duck

Clangula hyemalis

7/16/2026Moss Landing--Jetty Road, north jetty & State Beach1 observed

Rufous Hummingbird

Selasphorus rufus

7/16/2026UC Santa Cruz--Arboretum1 observed

American Kestrel

Falco sparverius

7/16/2026Naval Support Activity Monterey & Del Monte Lake (Restricted Access)1 observed

Lesser Scaup

Aythya affinis

7/16/2026College Lake2 observed

Lawrence's Goldfinch

Spinus lawrencei

7/15/2026my backyard1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

7/15/2026Monterey--Presidio (lower)1 observed

Black Skimmer

Rynchops niger

7/15/2026Elkhorn Slough--general (east of Hwy 1 only)1 observed

Cocos Booby

Sula brewsteri

7/14/2026Pt. Pinos--seawatch only1 observed

Hermit Thrush

Catharus guttatus

7/14/2026Mt. Madonna County Park2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Snowy Plover

57/11/2026

Hudsonian Whimbrel

27/11/2026

Long-billed Curlew

107/11/2026

Red-necked Phalarope

67/11/2026

Birding Tips

1
Start birding at dawn when desert birds are most active before the heat.
2
Check around water sources, which concentrate desert species.
3
Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.

Amenities

Parking

Trails

More in California

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Mono Lake

Ancient saline lake with millions of migratory birds and surreal tufa towers.

California Birding Guide

Complete guide to birding in California →

Birding Guides

Fall Bird Migration Guide

10 min read

Understanding Bird Migration

12 min read

Spring Birding in New York City

12 min read

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.