Coastal birding habitat

Wilder Ranch State Park - Old Cove Landing Trail

California · Southwest

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Wilder Ranch State Park - Old Cove Landing Trail is a productive birding destination in California, with 267 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and Surf Scoter 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

Wandering Tattler

Tringa incana

5/29/2026West Cliff Dr. at Woodrow Ave.1 observed

Purple Martin

Progne subis

5/29/2026Ano Nuevo SP--Visitors Center, Elephant Seals and trails1 observed

Bank Swallow

Riparia riparia

5/29/2026Ano Nuevo SP--Visitors Center, Elephant Seals and trails2 observed

Black Swift

Cypseloides niger

5/29/2026Ano Nuevo SP--Visitors Center, Elephant Seals and trails2 observed

Indigo Bunting

Passerina cyanea

5/29/2026stakeout Indigo Bunting, Swanton Road (2026)1 observed

Purple Martin (subis/arboricola)

Progne subis

5/29/2026Ano Nuevo SP--Visitors Center, Elephant Seals and trails4 observed

Gray Catbird

Dumetella carolinensis

5/29/2026Laurent Apt.1 observed

Black-chinned Sparrow

Spizella atrogularis

5/29/2026Loma Prieta area (SCL Co.)1 observed

Lark Sparrow

Chondestes grammacus

5/28/2026Loma Prieta--Lower Saddle (SCZ Co.)1 observed

Northern Shoveler

Spatula clypeata

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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Brant

45/28/2026

Mallard

45/28/2026

Common Merganser

15/28/2026

California Quail

15/28/2026

Mourning Dove

15/28/2026

Long-billed Curlew

15/28/2026

Heermann's Gull

55/28/2026

Western Gull

605/28/2026

California Gull

505/28/2026

Caspian Tern

165/28/2026

Brandt's Cormorant

115/28/2026

Pelagic Cormorant

25/28/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

15/28/2026

Brown Pelican

185/28/2026

American Crow

15/28/2026

Cliff Swallow

55/28/2026

European Starling

15/28/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

15/28/2026

Song Sparrow

45/28/2026

Spotted Towhee

25/28/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.

  2. 2

    Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Wilder Ranch State Park - Old Cove Landing Trail for birding?
The best months to visit Wilder Ranch State Park - Old Cove Landing Trail for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Wilder Ranch State Park - Old Cove Landing Trail?
Notable species at Wilder Ranch State Park - Old Cove Landing Trail include Canada Goose, Mallard, Surf Scoter, Anna's Hummingbird, Black Oystercatcher. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Wilder Ranch State Park - Old Cove Landing Trail?
Birding at Wilder Ranch State Park - Old Cove Landing Trail is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Wilder Ranch State Park - Old Cove Landing Trail?
Wilder Ranch State Park - Old Cove Landing Trail offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.