River/Riparian birding habitat

Stevens Creek Trail - north of US-101

California · Southwest

Habitat
River/Riparian
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Stevens Creek Trail - north of US-101 is a productive birding destination in California, with 214 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and Green-winged Teal 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

Redhead

Aythya americana

5/30/2026Palo Alto Flood Control Basin--E. Bayshore Rd. ponds4 observed

Elegant Tern

Thalasseus elegans

5/30/2026Sunnyvale WPCP--East Pond2 observed

Lawrence's Goldfinch

Spinus lawrencei

5/30/2026Ed Levin CP--Spring Valley area1 observed

Blue Grosbeak

Passerina caerulea

5/30/2026Ed Levin CP--Calera Creek Trail2 observed

Western Gull

Larus occidentalis

5/30/2026Palo Alto Baylands1 observed

Red-breasted Nuthatch

Sitta canadensis

5/30/2026El Corte De Madera Creek OSP1 observed

Hermit Thrush

Catharus guttatus

5/30/2026El Corte De Madera Creek OSP1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Great Horned Owl

15/31/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

15/31/2026

Canada Goose

405/30/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

25/30/2026

Great Egret

15/30/2026

Great Blue Heron

15/30/2026

Bewick's Wren

15/30/2026

Northern Mockingbird

25/30/2026

California Towhee

25/30/2026

Black-necked Stilt

65/30/2026

American Avocet

15/30/2026

Killdeer

15/30/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

15/30/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

105/30/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

35/30/2026

California Gull

25/30/2026

Snowy Egret

15/30/2026

American Crow

115/30/2026

Chestnut-backed Chickadee

15/30/2026

Violet-green Swallow

15/30/2026

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 Stevens Creek Trail - north of US-101 for birding?
The best months to visit Stevens Creek Trail - north of US-101 for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Stevens Creek Trail - north of US-101?
Notable species at Stevens Creek Trail - north of US-101 include Canada Goose, Mallard, Green-winged Teal, Anna's Hummingbird, American Coot. The area supports river/riparian habitats.
How difficult is birding at Stevens Creek Trail - north of US-101?
Birding at Stevens Creek Trail - north of US-101 is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Stevens Creek Trail - north of US-101?
Stevens Creek Trail - north of US-101 offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.