Desert birding habitat

Waddell SB

California · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Waddell SB is a productive birding destination in California, with 227 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Mallard, Black Scoter, and Common Goldeneye 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

Palm Warbler

Setophaga palmarum

4/18/2026Neary Lagoon1 observed

Chipping Sparrow

Spizella passerina

4/18/2026La Honda Creek OSP (lower)2 observed

Great-tailed Grackle

Quiscalus mexicanus

4/18/2026Gazos Creek Rd.--east of Hwy 1 to Cloverdale Rd. Intersection1 observed

Golden Eagle

Aquila chrysaetos

4/18/2026La Honda Creek OSP (lower)1 observed

Cassin's Vireo

Vireo cassinii

4/18/2026Long Ridge OSP--Peter's Creek Trailhead (SM Co.)2 observed

Nashville Warbler

Leiothlypis ruficapilla

4/18/2026Neary Lagoon1 observed

Rhinoceros Auklet

Cerorhinca monocerata

4/18/2026Pigeon Pt.6 observed

Royal Tern

Thalasseus maximus

4/17/2026San Lorenzo River mouth1 observed

Swainson's Thrush

Catharus ustulatus

4/16/2026Henry Cowell Redwoods SP--Zayante Trail1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Hudsonian Whimbrel

304/12/2026

Surf Scoter

154/6/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

24/6/2026

Western Gull

1104/6/2026

California Gull

204/6/2026

Common Loon

14/6/2026

Violet-green Swallow

14/6/2026

House Finch

14/6/2026

Mallard

24/5/2026

California Quail

14/5/2026

Band-tailed Pigeon

44/5/2026

White-throated Swift

14/5/2026

Marbled Murrelet

24/5/2026

Western Grebe

44/5/2026

Red-throated Loon

54/5/2026

Brandt's Cormorant

34/5/2026

Pelagic Cormorant

14/5/2026

Brown Pelican

124/5/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

14/5/2026

California Scrub-Jay

14/5/2026

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 Waddell SB for birding?
The best months to visit Waddell SB for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Waddell SB?
Notable species at Waddell SB include Mallard, Black Scoter, Common Goldeneye, Common Merganser, White-throated Swift. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at Waddell SB?
Birding at Waddell SB is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Waddell SB?
Waddell SB offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.