Dairy Mart Ponds

California · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Dairy Mart Ponds is a productive birding destination in California, with 268 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Cinnamon Teal, Northern Shoveler, and Anna's Hummingbird 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

White-winged Scoter

Melanitta deglandi

3/6/2026Vacation Isle1 observed

Tennessee Warbler

Leiothlypis peregrina

3/6/2026Home 2909 Brant St1 observed

Black Scoter

Melanitta americana

3/6/2026Chula Vista Bayfront Park (J St.)2 observed

Nashville Warbler

Leiothlypis ruficapilla

3/6/2026Wing St. Canyon1 observed

Lawrence's Goldfinch

Spinus lawrencei

3/6/2026Tijuana River Valley--Bird & Butterfly Garden (Myers Ranch)2 observed

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

3/6/2026Chollas Reservoir (CA Atlas - National City NE)2 observed

Hepatic Tanager

Piranga flava

3/6/2026Wing St. Canyon1 observed

American Redstart

Setophaga ruticilla

3/6/2026Seaport Village area1 observed

Bell's Vireo

Vireo bellii

3/6/2026Tijuana River Valley--Bird & Butterfly Garden (Myers Ranch)1 observed

Plumbeous Vireo

Vireo plumbeus

3/6/2026Tijuana River Valley--Bird & Butterfly Garden (Myers Ranch)1 observed

Baltimore Oriole

Icterus galbula

3/6/2026Larsen Field1 observed

Townsend's x Hermit Warbler (hybrid)

Setophaga townsendi x occidentalis

3/5/2026Spreckels Park & Public Library1 observed

Western Kingbird

Tyrannus verticalis

3/5/2026Harry Griffen Regional Park1 observed

Rock Pigeon

Columba livia

3/5/2026San Diego River mudflats (including Robb Field & Quivira Way)6 observed

Short-eared Owl

Asio flammeus

3/5/2026San Diego Bay NWR--SoCal Saltworks (restricted access)1 observed

Western x Clark's Grebe (hybrid)

Aechmophorus occidentalis x clarkii

3/5/2026San Diego River mudflats (including Robb Field & Quivira Way)1 observed

Short-billed Gull

Larus brachyrhynchus

3/5/2026San Diego River mudflats (including Robb Field & Quivira Way)1 observed

Common Ground Dove

Columbina passerina

3/5/2026Tijuana River Valley--Sunset Ave east of Hollister4 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Northern Shoveler

63/5/2026

Gadwall

13/5/2026

Common Gallinule

13/5/2026

Hutton's Vireo

13/5/2026

Cinnamon Teal

13/5/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

33/5/2026

American Coot

43/5/2026

American Wigeon

43/4/2026

Mallard

113/4/2026

Ruddy Duck

13/4/2026

Western Gull

653/4/2026

Cooper's Hawk

13/4/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

13/4/2026

Downy Woodpecker

13/4/2026

Nuttall's Woodpecker

23/4/2026

Black Phoebe

13/4/2026

American Crow

93/4/2026

Tree Swallow

83/4/2026

Bushtit

33/4/2026

Wrentit

13/4/2026

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 Dairy Mart Ponds for birding?
The best months to visit Dairy Mart Ponds for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Dairy Mart Ponds?
Notable species at Dairy Mart Ponds include Cinnamon Teal, Northern Shoveler, Anna's Hummingbird, American Coot, American Wigeon. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at Dairy Mart Ponds?
Birding at Dairy Mart Ponds is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Dairy Mart Ponds?
Dairy Mart Ponds offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.