Pico Ave/Pico Creek

California · Southwest

Habitat
River/Riparian
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Pico Ave/Pico Creek is a productive birding destination in California, with 204 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian habitat attracts Surf Scoter, Bufflehead, and Red-breasted Merganser 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

Purple Finch (Western)

Haemorhous purpureus

3/5/2026Ragged Point Inn1 observed

Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored/cismontanus)

Junco hyemalis

2/28/2026Home1 observed

Ruddy Turnstone

Arenaria interpres

2/24/2026Villa Creek--Estero Bluffs State Park1 observed

Marbled Murrelet

Brachyramphus marmoratus

2/22/2026San Simeon Point4 observed

Long-tailed Duck

Clangula hyemalis

2/22/2026San Simeon Creek Mouth/Beach1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Surf Scoter

42/25/2026

Bufflehead

32/25/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

42/25/2026

Mourning Dove

22/25/2026

Brandt's Cormorant

32/25/2026

American Crow

42/25/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

32/25/2026

Song Sparrow

42/25/2026

Brewer's Blackbird

102/25/2026

California Gull

32/24/2026

Eared Grebe

12/24/2026

Clark's Grebe

12/24/2026

Red-throated Loon

12/24/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

22/24/2026

Brown Pelican

32/24/2026

Turkey Vulture

12/24/2026

Black Phoebe

12/24/2026

California Scrub-Jay

12/24/2026

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 Pico Ave/Pico Creek for birding?
The best months to visit Pico Ave/Pico Creek for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Pico Ave/Pico Creek?
Notable species at Pico Ave/Pico Creek include Surf Scoter, Bufflehead, Red-breasted Merganser, Mourning Dove, Brandt's Cormorant. The area supports river/riparian habitats.
How difficult is birding at Pico Ave/Pico Creek?
Birding at Pico Ave/Pico Creek is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Pico Ave/Pico Creek?
Pico Ave/Pico Creek offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.