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

4/17/20267185–7677 San Simeon Creek Rd, Cambria US-CA 35.65389, -121.044042 observed

Elegant Tern

Thalasseus elegans

4/16/2026Morro Strand State Beach3 observed

Long-tailed Duck

Clangula hyemalis

4/5/2026San Simeon Creek Mouth/Beach1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

84/17/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

34/17/2026

Snowy Plover

44/17/2026

Hudsonian Whimbrel

54/17/2026

Long-billed Curlew

14/17/2026

Least Sandpiper

24/17/2026

Ring-billed Gull

54/17/2026

Western Gull

24/17/2026

California Gull

54/17/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

14/17/2026

Pelagic Cormorant

44/17/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

44/17/2026

Snowy Egret

24/17/2026

Brown Pelican

604/17/2026

Black Phoebe

14/17/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

24/17/2026

Cliff Swallow

304/17/2026

California Thrasher

14/17/2026

Cedar Waxwing

124/17/2026

Song Sparrow

34/17/2026

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.