Lake birding habitat

Swanton Pond and vicinity

California · Southwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Swanton Pond and vicinity is a productive birding destination in California, with 219 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Ring-necked Duck, Ruddy Duck, 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

Northern Shoveler

Spatula clypeata

5/27/2026Terrace Pt. and Coastal Science Campus1 observed

Black Swift

Cypseloides niger

5/27/2026Ano Nuevo SP--Visitors Center, Elephant Seals and trails5 observed

Indigo Bunting

Passerina cyanea

5/26/2026stakeout Indigo Bunting, Swanton Road (2026)1 observed

Hermit Thrush

Catharus guttatus

5/26/2026Pescadero Creek County Park4 observed

Bank Swallow

Riparia riparia

5/25/2026Ano Nuevo SP--Visitors Center, Elephant Seals and trails4 observed

Purple Martin

Progne subis

5/25/2026Ano Nuevo SP--Visitors Center, Elephant Seals and trails3 observed

Black Swift (borealis)

Cypseloides niger

5/25/2026Ano Nuevo SP--Visitors Center, Elephant Seals and trails4 observed

Red-necked Grebe

Podiceps grisegena

5/25/2026West Cliff Dr. at Woodrow Ave.1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Ruddy Duck

35/24/2026

Band-tailed Pigeon

805/24/2026

Vaux's Swift

25/24/2026

White-throated Swift

15/24/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

15/24/2026

American Coot

85/24/2026

Western Gull

65/24/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

25/24/2026

Northern Harrier

25/24/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

15/24/2026

Western Wood-Pewee

15/24/2026

Black Phoebe

15/24/2026

American Crow

115/24/2026

Common Raven

25/24/2026

Violet-green Swallow

25/24/2026

Purple Martin

15/24/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

15/24/2026

Barn Swallow

45/24/2026

Cliff Swallow

135/24/2026

Bushtit

55/24/2026

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 Swanton Pond and vicinity for birding?
The best months to visit Swanton Pond and vicinity for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Swanton Pond and vicinity?
Notable species at Swanton Pond and vicinity include Ring-necked Duck, Ruddy Duck, Anna's Hummingbird, American Coot, Turkey Vulture. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Swanton Pond and vicinity?
Birding at Swanton Pond and vicinity is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Swanton Pond and vicinity?
Swanton Pond and vicinity offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.