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

Loading map...

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

Lark Sparrow

Chondestes grammacus

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

American Goldfinch

Spinus tristis

5/27/2026Ranchito Bolsa Nueva (private/offset)1 observed

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

5/27/2026Asilomar Conference Grounds [limited to grounds; use Asilomar SB hotspots for shore]1 observed

Tennessee Warbler

Leiothlypis peregrina

5/27/2026Pacific Grove--El Carmelo Cemetery1 observed

Northern Shoveler

Spatula clypeata

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

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

5/27/2026Monterey--Presidio (lower)1 observed

Common Raven

Corvus corax

5/27/2026Fort Ord Dunes SP1 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

5/27/2026Lyle Ct. Aptos1 observed

Manx Shearwater

Puffinus puffinus

5/26/2026Pt. Pinos--seawatch only1 observed

Laysan Albatross

Phoebastria immutabilis

5/26/2026Pt. Pinos--seawatch only1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Muscovy Duck

25/26/2026

Mallard

5/26/2026

American Coot

15/26/2026

Black-necked Stilt

5/26/2026

American Avocet

5/26/2026

Snowy Plover

55/26/2026

Long-billed Curlew

5/26/2026

Western Gull

5/26/2026

Caspian Tern

5/26/2026

Great Egret

15/26/2026

Bushtit

5/26/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

5/26/2026

Song Sparrow

5/26/2026

Great-tailed Grackle

15/26/2026

Common Yellowthroat

15/26/2026

Brant

105/26/2026

Canada Goose

155/26/2026

Cinnamon Teal

65/26/2026

Gadwall

115/26/2026

Mourning Dove

115/26/2026

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.