Desert birding habitat

Zmudowski SB

California · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Zmudowski SB is a productive birding destination in California, with 254 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Canada Goose, Muscovy Duck, and Cinnamon Teal 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

Black Skimmer

Rynchops niger

7/20/2026Moss Landing--Jetty Road, north jetty & State Beach4 observed

Long-tailed Duck

Clangula hyemalis

7/20/2026Moss Landing--Jetty Road, north jetty & State Beach1 observed

Chestnut-backed Chickadee

Poecile rufescens

7/20/2026Cole Rd.2 observed

Rufous Hummingbird

Selasphorus rufus

7/20/2026UC Santa Cruz--Arboretum4 observed

Lincoln's Sparrow

Melospiza lincolnii

7/20/2026Schwan Lake1 observed

Lesser Scaup

Aythya affinis

7/20/2026College Lake2 observed

Bald Eagle

Haliaeetus leucocephalus

7/19/2026Elkhorn Slough--general (east of Hwy 1 only)1 observed

Baird's Sandpiper

Calidris bairdii

7/19/2026Salinas WTP (no public access)1 observed

Common Goldeneye

Bucephala clangula

7/18/2026Pajaro River mouth (MTY Co.)3 observed

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Pheucticus ludovicianus

7/18/2026US-CA-Royal Oaks-135 Walker Valley Rd - 36.8114x-121.71341 observed

Common Gallinule

Gallinula galeata

7/18/2026Zmudowski SB1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

1007/18/2026

Mallard

37/18/2026

Black-necked Stilt

37/18/2026

Black-bellied Plover

27/18/2026

Killdeer

47/18/2026

Hudsonian Whimbrel

27/18/2026

Red-necked Phalarope

37/18/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

17/18/2026

Least Sandpiper

37/18/2026

Western Sandpiper

207/18/2026

Heermann's Gull

37/18/2026

Western Gull

277/18/2026

California Gull

77/18/2026

Caspian Tern

147/18/2026

Forster's Tern

17/18/2026

Elegant Tern

4007/18/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

17/18/2026

Eared Grebe

17/18/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

47/18/2026

White-faced Ibis

17/18/2026

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 Zmudowski SB for birding?
The best months to visit Zmudowski SB for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Zmudowski SB?
Notable species at Zmudowski SB include Canada Goose, Muscovy Duck, Cinnamon Teal, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at Zmudowski SB?
Birding at Zmudowski SB is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Zmudowski SB?
Zmudowski SB offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.