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

Hooded Warbler

Setophaga citrina

7/1/2026Santa Rosa Creek Trail and Delta Pond (west of Willowside Rd)1 observed

Common Black x Red-shouldered Hawk (hybrid)

Buteogallus anthracinus x Buteo lineatus

6/30/2026Santa Rosa Creek Trail and Delta Pond (west of Willowside Rd)1 observed

Short-billed Dowitcher

Limnodromus griseus

6/29/2026Bodega Bay--Gaffney Pt. - includes Marine Lab and residence entrances3 observed

Hermit Thrush

Catharus guttatus

6/29/2026Bothe-Napa Valley SP1 observed

American Redstart

Setophaga ruticilla

6/28/2026Santa Rosa Creek Trail - Fulton Road to Willowside Road1 observed

Say's Phoebe

Sayornis saya

6/27/2026Home - Oak Leaf Place, Rohnert Park2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Band-tailed Pigeon

37/8/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

27/8/2026

Snowy Egret

27/8/2026

Turkey Vulture

17/8/2026

Cooper's Hawk

27/8/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

27/8/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

17/8/2026

Belted Kingfisher

17/8/2026

Nuttall's Woodpecker

37/8/2026

Western Wood-Pewee

27/8/2026

Western Flycatcher

27/8/2026

Black Phoebe

17/8/2026

Western Warbling Vireo

17/8/2026

American Crow

17/8/2026

Chestnut-backed Chickadee

27/8/2026

Oak Titmouse

27/8/2026

Violet-green Swallow

27/8/2026

Bushtit

107/8/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

17/8/2026

Brown Creeper

17/8/2026

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.