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

Say's Phoebe

Sayornis saya

5/30/2026Petaluma High School, Wildlife Museum And Track1 observed

Hermit Thrush

Catharus guttatus

5/30/2026Bothe-Napa Valley State Park, Calistoga US-CA (38.5448,-122.5403)1 observed

Eurasian Wigeon

Mareca penelope

5/30/2026Bird Walk Coastal Access and Smith Brothers Road1 observed

Wandering Tattler

Tringa incana

5/29/2026Bodega Head - offshore species and the bluff ONLY2 observed

White-faced Ibis

Plegadis chihi

5/29/2026Santa Rosa Creek Trail and Delta Pond (west of Willowside Rd)20 observed

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Setophaga coronata

5/29/2026Robert Louis Stevenson SP1 observed

Greater Yellowlegs

Tringa melanoleuca

5/28/2026Doran Regional Park - entrance pond to jetty1 observed

Black Skimmer

Rynchops niger

5/26/2026Bodega Bay--Gaffney Pt. - includes Marine Lab and residence entrances2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Anna's Hummingbird

15/31/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

15/31/2026

Snowy Egret

25/31/2026

Great Egret

15/31/2026

Turkey Vulture

35/31/2026

Acorn Woodpecker

15/31/2026

Downy Woodpecker

25/31/2026

Nuttall's Woodpecker

15/31/2026

Western Wood-Pewee

15/31/2026

Black Phoebe

15/31/2026

Western Kingbird

15/31/2026

Western Warbling Vireo

15/31/2026

American Crow

25/31/2026

Common Raven

15/31/2026

Chestnut-backed Chickadee

35/31/2026

Oak Titmouse

15/31/2026

Violet-green Swallow

15/31/2026

Bushtit

105/31/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

25/31/2026

Brown Creeper

15/31/2026

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.