Lake birding habitat

Santa Rosa Creek Trail and Delta Pond (west of Willowside Rd)

California · Southwest

Habitat
LakeRiver/Riparian
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Santa Rosa Creek Trail and Delta Pond (west of Willowside Rd) is a productive birding destination in California, with 239 species recorded on eBird. This lake and river/riparian habitat attracts Cackling Goose, American Wigeon, and Hooded Merganser 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

Swainson's Thrush

Catharus ustulatus

4/17/2026Salmon Creek Rd--north edge of town to Fitzpatrick Ln2 observed

Elegant Tern

Thalasseus elegans

4/17/2026Doran Regional Park - entrance pond to jetty5 observed

Common Black x Red-shouldered Hawk (hybrid)

Buteogallus anthracinus x Buteo lineatus

4/13/2026Santa Rosa Creek Trail and Delta Pond (west of Willowside Rd)1 observed

Black-chinned Hummingbird

Archilochus alexandri

4/11/2026Bees n Blooms1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

California Quail

14/16/2026

Wild Turkey

14/16/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

14/16/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

14/16/2026

Great Blue Heron

14/16/2026

Turkey Vulture

34/16/2026

Osprey

14/16/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

24/16/2026

Swainson's Hawk

14/16/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

24/16/2026

Nuttall's Woodpecker

24/16/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

14/16/2026

Northern Flicker

14/16/2026

Western Flycatcher

44/16/2026

Black Phoebe

14/16/2026

California Scrub-Jay

24/16/2026

American Crow

24/16/2026

Common Raven

14/16/2026

Tree Swallow

104/16/2026

Violet-green Swallow

44/16/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.

  2. 2

    Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.

  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 Trail and Delta Pond (west of Willowside Rd) for birding?
The best months to visit Santa Rosa Creek Trail and Delta Pond (west of Willowside Rd) for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Santa Rosa Creek Trail and Delta Pond (west of Willowside Rd)?
Notable species at Santa Rosa Creek Trail and Delta Pond (west of Willowside Rd) include Cackling Goose, American Wigeon, Hooded Merganser, California Quail, Eurasian Collared-Dove. The area supports lake, river/riparian habitats.
How difficult is birding at Santa Rosa Creek Trail and Delta Pond (west of Willowside Rd)?
Birding at Santa Rosa Creek Trail and Delta Pond (west of Willowside Rd) is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Santa Rosa Creek Trail and Delta Pond (west of Willowside Rd)?
Santa Rosa Creek Trail and Delta Pond (west of Willowside Rd) offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.