Desert birding habitat

San Gregorio SB

California · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

San Gregorio SB is a productive birding destination in California, with 201 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Canada Goose, Surf Scoter, and Hudsonian Whimbrel 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

Golden Eagle

Aquila chrysaetos

4/17/2026Audubon Williams Sisters Ranch (restricted access)1 observed

Black-chinned Hummingbird

Archilochus alexandri

4/17/2026McClellan Ranch Preserve1 observed

Chipping Sparrow

Spizella passerina

4/17/2026La Honda Creek OSP (lower)1 observed

Orchard Oriole

Icterus spurius

4/16/2026309 23rd Ave, San Mateo US-CA (37.5440,-122.3118)1 observed

Cassin's Vireo

Vireo cassinii

4/16/2026Long Ridge OSP--Peter's Creek Trailhead (SM Co.)1 observed

Swainson's Thrush

Catharus ustulatus

4/16/2026Quarry Park1 observed

Lark Sparrow

Chondestes grammacus

4/16/2026La Honda Creek OSP (lower)1 observed

Ruddy Turnstone

Arenaria interpres

4/15/2026San Francisquito Creek Mouth (SCL Co.)1 observed

Harlequin Duck

Histrionicus histrionicus

4/15/2026Harborview Park and Freshwater Marsh - CBA 100371 observed

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Pheucticus ludovicianus

4/15/2026Swanton Road near Last Chance Road1 observed

Scaly-breasted Munia

Lonchura punctulata

4/14/2026Shoreline Parklands at Mountain View Park, Mountain View US-CA (37.4289,-122.0947)1 observed

Great-tailed Grackle

Quiscalus mexicanus

4/14/2026Phelps Slough1 observed

Red-breasted Nuthatch

Sitta canadensis

4/14/2026Long Ridge OSP--Peter's Creek Trailhead (SM Co.)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Surf Scoter

14/16/2026

Killdeer

14/16/2026

Hudsonian Whimbrel

14/16/2026

Western Gull

304/16/2026

Elegant Tern

24/16/2026

Brown Pelican

154/16/2026

Northern Harrier

14/16/2026

Common Raven

24/16/2026

Cinnamon Teal

24/16/2026

Caspian Tern

14/16/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

14/16/2026

Canada Goose

14/16/2026

Gadwall

204/16/2026

Mallard

304/16/2026

Bufflehead

154/16/2026

Ruddy Duck

34/16/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

24/16/2026

Great Egret

14/16/2026

Great Blue Heron

24/16/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

14/16/2026

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 San Gregorio SB for birding?
The best months to visit San Gregorio SB for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at San Gregorio SB?
Notable species at San Gregorio SB include Canada Goose, Surf Scoter, Hudsonian Whimbrel, Long-billed Curlew, Short-billed Gull. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at San Gregorio SB?
Birding at San Gregorio SB is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at San Gregorio SB?
San Gregorio SB offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.