CARE Park (Pajaro River Picnic Area) and wastewater treatment facility

California · Southwest

Habitat
River/RiparianUrban Park
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

CARE Park (Pajaro River Picnic Area) and wastewater treatment facility is a productive birding destination in California, with 215 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian and urban park habitat attracts Mourning Dove, American Coot, and Bonaparte's Gull 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

Barrow's Goldeneye

Bucephala islandica

3/6/2026Seabright SB1 observed

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

3/6/2026Moran Lake Park, Pleasure Point US-CA 36.95673, -121.977511 observed

Common Ringed Plover

Charadrius hiaticula

3/5/2026Moss Landing--Jetty Road, north jetty & State Beach1 observed

Hooded Oriole

Icterus cucullatus

3/5/2026Soquel, Crestline Way1 observed

Swainson's Hawk

Buteo swainsoni

3/5/2026Cortez Park (SCZ Co.)1 observed

Broad-billed Hummingbird

Cynanthus latirostris

3/4/2026stakeout Broad-billed Hummingbird, Salinas (2026)1 observed

Scaly-breasted Munia

Lonchura punctulata

3/4/2026My yard, Carr Ave., Aromas3 observed

Chestnut-backed Chickadee

Poecile rufescens

3/4/2026My yard, Carr Ave., Aromas1 observed

Bell's Sparrow

Artemisiospiza belli

3/4/2026Fort Ord Dunes SP1 observed

Common Raven

Corvus corax

3/4/2026Fort Ord Dunes SP2 observed

Black Skimmer

Rynchops niger

3/4/2026Elkhorn Slough--Estrada & North marsh and/or Kirby Park1 observed

Common Gallinule

Gallinula galeata

3/3/2026Zmudowski SB1 observed

Great-tailed Grackle

Quiscalus mexicanus

3/3/2026Zmudowski SB1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

23/1/2026

American Coot

133/1/2026

Bonaparte's Gull

53/1/2026

Ring-billed Gull

123/1/2026

California Gull

23/1/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

13/1/2026

Black Phoebe

13/1/2026

Hutton's Vireo

13/1/2026

Bushtit

33/1/2026

Bewick's Wren

13/1/2026

European Starling

13/1/2026

American Robin

23/1/2026

Song Sparrow

23/1/2026

Brewer's Blackbird

303/1/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

13/1/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Walk along the water slowly, scanning overhanging branches for kingfishers and warblers.

  2. 2

    Check sandbars and gravel bars for shorebirds and terns.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit CARE Park (Pajaro River Picnic Area) and wastewater treatment facility for birding?
The best months to visit CARE Park (Pajaro River Picnic Area) and wastewater treatment facility for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at CARE Park (Pajaro River Picnic Area) and wastewater treatment facility?
Notable species at CARE Park (Pajaro River Picnic Area) and wastewater treatment facility include Mourning Dove, American Coot, Bonaparte's Gull, Ring-billed Gull, California Gull. The area supports river/riparian, urban park habitats.
How difficult is birding at CARE Park (Pajaro River Picnic Area) and wastewater treatment facility?
Birding at CARE Park (Pajaro River Picnic Area) and wastewater treatment facility is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at CARE Park (Pajaro River Picnic Area) and wastewater treatment facility?
CARE Park (Pajaro River Picnic Area) and wastewater treatment facility offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails.