Waddell SB

California · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Waddell SB is a productive birding destination in California, with 227 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Mallard, Black Scoter, and Common Goldeneye 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

Barrow's Goldeneye

Bucephala islandica

3/6/2026Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf1 observed

Black Scoter

Melanitta americana

3/6/2026Waddell Bluffs3 observed

Ferruginous Hawk

Buteo regalis

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

Golden Eagle

Aquila chrysaetos

3/1/2026La Honda Creek OSP (lower)1 observed

Hooded Oriole

Icterus cucullatus

3/1/2026Sorrento Oaks1 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

Mallard

43/4/2026

Common Goldeneye

43/4/2026

Common Merganser

33/4/2026

White-throated Swift

33/4/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

13/4/2026

American Coot

33/4/2026

Hudsonian Whimbrel

233/4/2026

Marbled Godwit

23/4/2026

Heermann's Gull

23/4/2026

Western Gull

173/4/2026

California Gull

63/4/2026

Brandt's Cormorant

73/4/2026

Brown Pelican

313/4/2026

Turkey Vulture

13/4/2026

Acorn Woodpecker

13/4/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

13/4/2026

Northern Flicker

13/4/2026

Black Phoebe

13/4/2026

Steller's Jay

13/4/2026

California Scrub-Jay

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 Waddell SB for birding?
The best months to visit Waddell SB for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Waddell SB?
Notable species at Waddell SB include Mallard, Black Scoter, Common Goldeneye, Common Merganser, White-throated Swift. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at Waddell SB?
Birding at Waddell SB is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Waddell SB?
Waddell SB offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.