Gilroy Ponds and Llagas Creek

California · Southwest

Habitat
River/Riparian
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Gilroy Ponds and Llagas Creek is a productive birding destination in California, with 207 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and White-tailed Kite 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

Common Ringed Plover

Charadrius hiaticula

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

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

Bald Eagle

Haliaeetus leucocephalus

3/3/2026Zmudowski SB1 observed

Red-necked Grebe

Podiceps grisegena

3/3/2026Chesbro Reservoir1 observed

Black-headed Grosbeak

Pheucticus melanocephalus

3/2/2026Calero CP--Casa Loma Rd. access1 observed

Lawrence's Goldfinch

Spinus lawrencei

3/2/2026Old Chittenden Road2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

22/21/2026

Mallard

22/21/2026

White-tailed Kite

12/21/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

22/21/2026

American Kestrel

52/21/2026

Black Phoebe

12/21/2026

Say's Phoebe

12/21/2026

Northern Mockingbird

12/21/2026

Western Bluebird

12/21/2026

House Finch

42/21/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

52/21/2026

Golden-crowned Sparrow

12/21/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

52/21/2026

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 Gilroy Ponds and Llagas Creek for birding?
The best months to visit Gilroy Ponds and Llagas Creek for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Gilroy Ponds and Llagas Creek?
Notable species at Gilroy Ponds and Llagas Creek include Canada Goose, Mallard, White-tailed Kite, Red-tailed Hawk, American Kestrel. The area supports river/riparian habitats.
How difficult is birding at Gilroy Ponds and Llagas Creek?
Birding at Gilroy Ponds and Llagas Creek is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Gilroy Ponds and Llagas Creek?
Gilroy Ponds and Llagas Creek offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.