River/Riparian birding habitat

Pico Ave/Pico Creek

California · Southwest

Habitat
River/Riparian
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Pico Ave/Pico Creek is a productive birding destination in California, with 204 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian habitat attracts Surf Scoter, Bufflehead, and Red-breasted Merganser 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

California Condor

Gymnogyps californianus

5/25/2026Hearst Castle Historical Monument1 observed

Ancient Murrelet

Synthliboramphus antiquus

5/24/2026Cayucos State Beach, Cayucos US-CA (35.4466,-120.9030)1 observed

Franklin's Gull

Leucophaeus pipixcan

5/21/2026Villa Creek--Estero Bluffs State Park1 observed

Royal Tern

Thalasseus maximus

5/19/2026Villa Creek--Estero Bluffs State Park1 observed

Redhead

Aythya americana

5/17/2026Cottontail Creek Road, Cayucos1 observed

Ring-necked Duck

Aythya collaris

5/17/2026Whale Rock Reservoir delta1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

65/20/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

15/20/2026

Western Gull

305/20/2026

California Gull

105/20/2026

Brandt's Cormorant

15/20/2026

Pelagic Cormorant

25/20/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

35/20/2026

Great Egret

15/20/2026

Brown Pelican

15/20/2026

American Crow

15/20/2026

Cliff Swallow

55/20/2026

House Finch

25/20/2026

Song Sparrow

25/20/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Walk along the water slowly, scanning overhanging branches for kingfishers and warblers.

  2. 2

    Check sandbars and gravel bars for shorebirds and terns.

  3. 3

    Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Pico Ave/Pico Creek for birding?
The best months to visit Pico Ave/Pico Creek for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Pico Ave/Pico Creek?
Notable species at Pico Ave/Pico Creek include Surf Scoter, Bufflehead, Red-breasted Merganser, Mourning Dove, Brandt's Cormorant. The area supports river/riparian habitats.
How difficult is birding at Pico Ave/Pico Creek?
Birding at Pico Ave/Pico Creek is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Pico Ave/Pico Creek?
Pico Ave/Pico Creek offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.