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

Cassin's Auklet

Ptychoramphus aleuticus

7/9/2026Sunset Beach1 observed

Common Gallinule

Gallinula galeata

7/9/2026Zmudowski SB5 observed

Bank Swallow

Riparia riparia

7/7/2026Ano Nuevo SP--Visitors Center, Elephant Seals and trails2 observed

Indigo Bunting

Passerina cyanea

7/7/2026Empire Grade--west of Jamison Creek Rd.3 observed

Black Swift

Cypseloides niger

7/7/2026Ano Nuevo SP--Visitors Center, Elephant Seals and trails1 observed

Purple Martin

Progne subis

7/7/2026Ano Nuevo SP--Visitors Center, Elephant Seals and trails2 observed

Wandering Tattler

Tringa incana

7/5/2026Sand Hill Bluff1 observed

Ring-necked Duck

Aythya collaris

7/5/2026Wilder Ranch SP--Four Mile Beach1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

27/8/2026

Mallard

77/8/2026

California Quail

127/8/2026

Wild Turkey

17/8/2026

Rock Pigeon

37/8/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

47/8/2026

Black Oystercatcher

27/8/2026

Killdeer

17/8/2026

Pigeon Guillemot

467/8/2026

Heermann's Gull

1247/8/2026

Western Gull

297/8/2026

Caspian Tern

177/8/2026

Brandt's Cormorant

367/8/2026

Brown Pelican

707/8/2026

Turkey Vulture

47/8/2026

Osprey

17/8/2026

Northern Harrier

37/8/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

17/8/2026

Black Phoebe

17/8/2026

California Scrub-Jay

47/8/2026

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.