Santa Clara Valley Water District

California · Southwest

ModerateView on eBird Directions

Habitat

DesertChaparral

Best Seasons

Fall Winter Spring

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Santa Clara Valley Water District is a productive birding destination in California, with 201 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 Ring-necked Duck Bufflehead

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Elegant Tern

Thalasseus elegans

7/18/2026Salt Pond A101 observed

Redhead

Aythya americana

7/18/2026Don Edwards NWR--Pond A161 observed

Black-chinned Hummingbird

Archilochus alexandri

7/18/2026Willow Glen Post Office Rt - Atlas Block SJ West SE3 observed

California Condor

Gymnogyps californianus

7/17/2026Anderson Lake CP--Rosendin Park1 observed

Scaly-breasted Munia

Lonchura punctulata

7/17/2026Santa Clara Valley Water District3 observed

Red-breasted Merganser

Mergus serrator

7/17/2026Salt Pond A8 (no public access)1 observed

Common Goldeneye

Bucephala clangula

7/17/2026Salt Pond A8 (no public access)1 observed

Lesser Yellowlegs

Tringa flavipes

7/16/2026Don Edwards NWR--entrance road (Grand Blvd.) between tracks and gate1 observed

Lawrence's Goldfinch

Spinus lawrencei

7/16/2026189–199 N Gordon Way, Los Altos US-CA (37.3849,-122.1073)

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

77/17/2026

Mallard

227/17/2026

Band-tailed Pigeon

57/17/2026

Mourning Dove

17/17/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

17/17/2026

California Gull

37/17/2026

Caspian Tern

17/17/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

57/17/2026

Snowy Egret

27/17/2026

Great Blue Heron

17/17/2026

Turkey Vulture

17/17/2026

Acorn Woodpecker

27/17/2026

Nuttall's Woodpecker

17/17/2026

Black Phoebe

37/17/2026

California Scrub-Jay

27/17/2026

Bushtit

87/17/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

17/17/2026

Northern Mockingbird

37/17/2026

House Finch

57/17/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

27/17/2026

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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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 Santa Clara Valley Water District for birding?▼

The best months to visit Santa Clara Valley Water District for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.

What birds can I see at Santa Clara Valley Water District?▼

Notable species at Santa Clara Valley Water District include Canada Goose, Gadwall, Mallard, Ring-necked Duck, Bufflehead. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.

How difficult is birding at Santa Clara Valley Water District?▼

Birding at Santa Clara Valley Water District is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.

What amenities are available at Santa Clara Valley Water District?▼

Santa Clara Valley Water District offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.