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

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

Cocos Booby

Sula brewsteri

5/21/2026Auto selected 35.35521, -121.004311 observed

Royal Tern

Thalasseus maximus

5/21/2026Morro Strand State Beach8 observed

Franklin's Gull

Leucophaeus pipixcan

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

Lesser Scaup

Aythya affinis

5/19/2026Whale Rock Reservoir--North End1 observed

Bufflehead

Bucephala albeola

5/19/2026Whale Rock Reservoir--North End1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

145/22/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

35/22/2026

Killdeer

35/22/2026

Western Gull

105/22/2026

California Gull

75/22/2026

Brandt's Cormorant

35/22/2026

Great Egret

25/22/2026

Brown Pelican

155/22/2026

American Crow

355/22/2026

Chestnut-backed Chickadee

35/22/2026

Violet-green Swallow

105/22/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

25/22/2026

Cliff Swallow

55/22/2026

Swainson's Thrush

15/22/2026

Song Sparrow

25/22/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

65/22/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

15/19/2026

Turkey Vulture

25/19/2026

European Starling

25/19/2026

House Sparrow

15/19/2026

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.