Swanton Pond and vicinity

California · Southwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Swanton Pond and vicinity is a productive birding destination in California, with 219 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Ring-necked Duck, Ruddy Duck, 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

Ferruginous Hawk

Buteo regalis

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

Black Scoter

Melanitta americana

3/5/2026Waddell Bluffs2 observed

Barrow's Goldeneye

Bucephala islandica

3/5/2026San Lorenzo River mouth1 observed

Hooded Oriole

Icterus cucullatus

3/5/2026Soquel, Crestline Way1 observed

Swainson's Hawk

Buteo swainsoni

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

Song Sparrow (heermanni Group)

Melospiza melodia

3/3/2026Sanborn CP--John Nicholas Trail

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

3/3/2026Natural Bridges SB1 observed

Barred Owl

Strix varia

2/28/20268580–8734 Pescadero Creek Rd, Loma Mar US-CA 37.27415, -122.301711 observed

Common Poorwill

Phalaenoptilus nuttallii

2/28/2026Gazos Creek Rd.--east of Hwy 1 to Cloverdale Rd. Intersection1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Ring-necked Duck

63/2/2026

Ruddy Duck

73/2/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

13/2/2026

American Coot

43/2/2026

Turkey Vulture

33/2/2026

Northern Harrier

13/2/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

13/2/2026

Bushtit

33/2/2026

European Starling

203/2/2026

House Finch

43/2/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

203/2/2026

Savannah Sparrow

33/2/2026

Song Sparrow

23/2/2026

Western Meadowlark

83/2/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

603/2/2026

Brewer's Blackbird

103/2/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

12/26/2026

Brown Pelican

132/26/2026

Black Phoebe

12/26/2026

Marsh Wren

12/26/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.

  2. 2

    Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Swanton Pond and vicinity for birding?
The best months to visit Swanton Pond and vicinity for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Swanton Pond and vicinity?
Notable species at Swanton Pond and vicinity include Ring-necked Duck, Ruddy Duck, Anna's Hummingbird, American Coot, Turkey Vulture. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Swanton Pond and vicinity?
Birding at Swanton Pond and vicinity is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Swanton Pond and vicinity?
Swanton Pond and vicinity offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.