Desert birding habitat

Sunnyvale WPCP - Landfill

California · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Sunnyvale WPCP - Landfill is a productive birding destination in California, with 201 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Northern Shoveler, Mallard, and Anna's Hummingbird 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

Black Oystercatcher

Haematopus bachmani

5/28/2026Shoreline Park--Shoreline Lake area4 observed

Redhead

Aythya americana

5/28/2026Palo Alto Flood Control Basin--E. Bayshore Rd. ponds3 observed

Black Tern

Chlidonias niger

5/28/2026Shoreline Park--Shoreline Lake area1 observed

Cackling Goose

Branta hutchinsii

5/28/2026Vasona Lake County Park1 observed

Indigo Bunting

Passerina cyanea

5/28/2026Coyote Hills Regional Park1 observed

Blue Grosbeak

Passerina caerulea

5/28/2026Ed Levin CP--Calera Creek Trail1 observed

Lawrence's Goldfinch

Spinus lawrencei

5/27/2026Ed Levin CP--Spring Valley area1 observed

Hermit Thrush

Catharus guttatus

5/27/2026Tofoni Trail — Woodside SW2 observed

Scaly-breasted Munia

Lonchura punctulata

5/27/2026Penitencia Creek Trail2 observed

Chipping Sparrow

Spizella passerina

5/27/2026Home1 observed

Golden-crowned Sparrow

Zonotrichia atricapilla

5/26/2026Hayward, Drummond north (gated community)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

25/27/2026

Mallard

15/27/2026

Vaux's Swift

15/27/2026

White-throated Swift

25/27/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

15/27/2026

Tree Swallow

15/27/2026

Barn Swallow

25/27/2026

Cliff Swallow

205/27/2026

European Starling

505/27/2026

Song Sparrow

15/27/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

55/27/2026

Tricolored Blackbird

15/27/2026

Brewer's Blackbird

25/27/2026

Rock Pigeon

15/26/2026

Common Gallinule

15/26/2026

Black-necked Stilt

35/26/2026

Killdeer

15/26/2026

Caspian Tern

15/26/2026

Forster's Tern

45/26/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

15/26/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Start birding at dawn when desert birds are most active before the heat.

  2. 2

    Check around water sources, which concentrate desert species.

  3. 3

    Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Sunnyvale WPCP - Landfill for birding?
The best months to visit Sunnyvale WPCP - Landfill for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Sunnyvale WPCP - Landfill?
Notable species at Sunnyvale WPCP - Landfill include Northern Shoveler, Mallard, Anna's Hummingbird, Common Gallinule, American Coot. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at Sunnyvale WPCP - Landfill?
Birding at Sunnyvale WPCP - Landfill is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Sunnyvale WPCP - Landfill?
Sunnyvale WPCP - Landfill offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.