Desert birding habitat

Ulistac Natural Area

California · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Ulistac Natural Area is a productive birding destination in California, with 211 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and Mourning Dove 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

5/29/2026Emily Renzel Wetlands2 observed

Blue Grosbeak

Passerina caerulea

5/29/2026Ed Levin CP--Calera Creek Trail1 observed

Black-chinned Hummingbird

Archilochus alexandri

5/29/2026Home1 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

Lawrence's Goldfinch

Spinus lawrencei

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

Scaly-breasted Munia

Lonchura punctulata

5/27/2026Penitencia Creek Trail2 observed

Golden-crowned Sparrow

Zonotrichia atricapilla

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

Tricolored Blackbird

Agelaius tricolor

5/26/2026Bedwell Bayfront Park-Menlo Park2 observed

Hermit Thrush

Catharus guttatus

5/26/2026Pescadero Creek County Park4 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

15/29/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

15/29/2026

White-throated Swift

15/29/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

65/29/2026

California Gull

45/29/2026

Black Phoebe

35/29/2026

California Scrub-Jay

15/29/2026

American Crow

35/29/2026

Chestnut-backed Chickadee

25/29/2026

Violet-green Swallow

65/29/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

25/29/2026

Bushtit

105/29/2026

Bewick's Wren

35/29/2026

Northern Mockingbird

25/29/2026

Western Bluebird

25/29/2026

Cedar Waxwing

15/29/2026

House Finch

65/29/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

25/29/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

15/29/2026

Song Sparrow

25/29/2026

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 Ulistac Natural Area for birding?
The best months to visit Ulistac Natural Area for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Ulistac Natural Area?
Notable species at Ulistac Natural Area include Canada Goose, Mallard, Mourning Dove, Anna's Hummingbird, Double-crested Cormorant. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at Ulistac Natural Area?
Birding at Ulistac Natural Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Ulistac Natural Area?
Ulistac Natural Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.