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

Pectoral Sandpiper

Calidris melanotos

7/21/2026Spreckles Ave. and Grand Blvd.1 observed

Scaly-breasted Munia

Lonchura punctulata

7/20/2026Santa Clara Valley Water District8 observed

Least Tern

Sternula antillarum

7/20/2026Pete's Harbor1 observed

Western Gull

Larus occidentalis

7/20/2026Stevens Creek delta1 observed

Song Sparrow (pusillula)

Melospiza melodia

7/20/2026Don Edwards NWR--Ravenswood Salt Ponds R1/R26 observed

Blue-winged Teal

Spatula discors

7/19/2026Don Edwards NWR--entrance road (Grand Blvd.) between tracks and gate1 observed

American Wigeon

Mareca americana

7/19/2026Don Edwards NWR--entrance road (Grand Blvd.) between tracks and gate1 observed

Red Knot

Calidris canutus

7/19/2026Salt Pond A93 observed

Black-chinned Hummingbird

Archilochus alexandri

7/19/2026Guadalupe River Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

37/20/2026

Mallard

217/20/2026

Black-necked Stilt

47/20/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

17/20/2026

California Gull

127/20/2026

Caspian Tern

17/20/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

27/20/2026

Great Egret

27/20/2026

Great Blue Heron

17/20/2026

American White Pelican

27/20/2026

Black Phoebe

27/20/2026

Barn Swallow

147/20/2026

Cliff Swallow

47/20/2026

Marsh Wren

17/20/2026

House Sparrow

107/20/2026

House Finch

77/20/2026

California Towhee

17/20/2026

Hooded Oriole

17/20/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

277/20/2026

Common Yellowthroat

17/20/2026

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.