River/Riparian birding habitat

Santa Rosa Creek mouth

California · Southwest

Habitat
River/Riparian
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Santa Rosa Creek mouth is a productive birding destination in California, with 237 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian habitat attracts Mallard, Surf Scoter, and Bufflehead 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

Red-breasted Merganser

Mergus serrator

7/5/2026Morro Strand State Beach1 observed

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

Corthylio calendula

7/4/2026San Simeon Creek Mouth/Beach1 observed

Ring-necked Duck

Aythya collaris

7/2/2026Whale Rock Reservoir--North End1 observed

Royal Tern

Thalasseus maximus

6/28/2026Morro Strand State Beach5 observed

White-breasted Nuthatch (Pacific)

Sitta carolinensis

6/27/20267428 Interlake Road, Bradley, California, US (35.786, -120.957)3 observed

Spotted Towhee (oregonus Group)

Pipilo maculatus

6/27/20267428 Interlake Road, Bradley, California, US (35.786, -120.957)1 observed

Bewick's Wren (spilurus Group)

Thryomanes bewickii

6/27/20267428 Interlake Road, Bradley, California, US (35.786, -120.957)3 observed

Red-tailed Hawk (calurus/alascensis)

Buteo jamaicensis

6/27/20267103 Interlake Road, Bradley, California, US (35.79, -120.938)3 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

27/7/2026

Heermann's Gull

27/7/2026

Western Gull

107/7/2026

Brandt's Cormorant

37/7/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

17/7/2026

Great Egret

17/7/2026

Great Blue Heron

17/7/2026

Brown Pelican

77/7/2026

Turkey Vulture

87/7/2026

Osprey

17/7/2026

American Crow

47/7/2026

Brewer's Blackbird

27/7/2026

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 Santa Rosa Creek mouth for birding?
The best months to visit Santa Rosa Creek mouth for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Santa Rosa Creek mouth?
Notable species at Santa Rosa Creek mouth include Mallard, Surf Scoter, Bufflehead, Anna's Hummingbird, American Coot. The area supports river/riparian habitats.
How difficult is birding at Santa Rosa Creek mouth?
Birding at Santa Rosa Creek mouth is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Santa Rosa Creek mouth?
Santa Rosa Creek mouth offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.