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

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

Palm Warbler (Western)

Setophaga palmarum

4/16/2026Neary Lagoon1 observed

Black Turnstone

Arenaria melanocephala

4/16/2026California, US (36.778, -121.985)1 observed

Elegant Tern

Thalasseus elegans

4/16/2026California, US (36.778, -121.985)3 observed

Hudsonian Whimbrel

Numenius hudsonicus

4/16/2026California, US (36.759, -121.964)5 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

24/17/2026

Mallard

14/17/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

14/17/2026

Black Oystercatcher

14/17/2026

Killdeer

14/17/2026

Snowy Plover

234/17/2026

Hudsonian Whimbrel

64/17/2026

Bonaparte's Gull

14/17/2026

Heermann's Gull

14/17/2026

Western Gull

754/17/2026

Brandt's Cormorant

504/17/2026

Pelagic Cormorant

14/17/2026

Brown Pelican

84/17/2026

White-tailed Kite

14/17/2026

Northern Harrier

14/17/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

14/17/2026

Black Phoebe

34/17/2026

American Crow

44/17/2026

Chestnut-backed Chickadee

34/17/2026

Barn Swallow

14/17/2026

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.