Los Gatos Creek County Park and Oka Ponds

California · Southwest

Habitat
River/RiparianUrban Park
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Los Gatos Creek County Park and Oka Ponds is a productive birding destination in California, with 223 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian and urban park habitat attracts Canada Goose, Gadwall, and Mallard 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

Scaly-breasted Munia

Lonchura punctulata

3/6/2026Santa Clara Valley Water District2 observed

Chipping Sparrow

Spizella passerina

3/6/2026Lone Hill Park2 observed

Sanderling

Calidris alba

3/6/2026Salt Pond A131 observed

Black Oystercatcher

Haematopus bachmani

3/6/2026Charleston Slough/Coast Casey Forebay2 observed

Glaucous x Glaucous-winged Gull (hybrid)

Larus hyperboreus x glaucescens

3/6/2026Salt Pond A131 observed

Pacific Golden-Plover

Pluvialis fulva

3/6/2026Don Edwards NWR--Env. Ed. Ctr. (EEC) and nearby upland areas1 observed

Lawrence's Goldfinch

Spinus lawrencei

3/6/2026Ed Levin CP--Spring Valley area4 observed

Cassin's Kingbird

Tyrannus vociferans

3/6/2026Pacific Commons Linear Park2 observed

Ferruginous Hawk

Buteo regalis

3/5/2026Big Basin SP--China Grade (north of Highway 236)1 observed

Blue-winged Teal x Northern Shoveler (hybrid)

Spatula discors x clypeata

3/5/2026Palo Alto Baylands1 observed

Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle x Audubon's)

Setophaga coronata

3/4/2026Thousand Oaks Park (SCL Co.)1 observed

Black-headed Grosbeak

Pheucticus melanocephalus

3/4/2026Loop trail1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

443/6/2026

Mallard

73/6/2026

Lesser Scaup

33/6/2026

Bufflehead

63/6/2026

Ruddy Duck

23/6/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

43/6/2026

American Coot

73/6/2026

Killdeer

23/6/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

13/6/2026

Snowy Egret

13/6/2026

Turkey Vulture

23/6/2026

Black Phoebe

23/6/2026

American Crow

13/6/2026

Oak Titmouse

23/6/2026

Tree Swallow

23/6/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

23/6/2026

Bewick's Wren

13/6/2026

House Finch

23/6/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

33/6/2026

Cackling Goose

13/5/2026

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 Los Gatos Creek County Park and Oka Ponds for birding?
The best months to visit Los Gatos Creek County Park and Oka Ponds for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Los Gatos Creek County Park and Oka Ponds?
Notable species at Los Gatos Creek County Park and Oka Ponds include Canada Goose, Gadwall, Mallard, Ring-necked Duck, Lesser Scaup. The area supports river/riparian, urban park habitats.
How difficult is birding at Los Gatos Creek County Park and Oka Ponds?
Birding at Los Gatos Creek County Park and Oka Ponds is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Los Gatos Creek County Park and Oka Ponds?
Los Gatos Creek County Park and Oka Ponds offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails.