Wilder Ranch State Park - Old Cove Landing Trail

California · Southwest

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Wilder Ranch State Park - Old Cove Landing Trail is a productive birding destination in California, with 267 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and Surf Scoter 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

Black Scoter

Melanitta americana

3/6/2026Waddell SB2 observed

Barrow's Goldeneye

Bucephala islandica

3/6/2026Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf1 observed

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

3/6/2026Moran Lake Park, Pleasure Point US-CA 36.95673, -121.977511 observed

Ferruginous Hawk

Buteo regalis

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

Hooded Oriole

Icterus cucullatus

3/5/2026Soquel, Crestline Way1 observed

Swainson's Hawk

Buteo swainsoni

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

Song Sparrow (heermanni Group)

Melospiza melodia

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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

23/6/2026

Mallard

43/6/2026

Surf Scoter

203/6/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

23/6/2026

Black Oystercatcher

13/6/2026

Brandt's Cormorant

123/6/2026

Snowy Egret

33/6/2026

Great Egret

13/6/2026

Brown Pelican

53/6/2026

Turkey Vulture

23/6/2026

Northern Harrier

33/6/2026

Black Phoebe

23/6/2026

American Crow

123/6/2026

Common Raven

63/6/2026

Bewick's Wren

23/6/2026

House Finch

3/6/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

303/6/2026

Golden-crowned Sparrow

53/6/2026

Song Sparrow

153/6/2026

Spotted Towhee

13/6/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.

  2. 2

    Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Wilder Ranch State Park - Old Cove Landing Trail for birding?
The best months to visit Wilder Ranch State Park - Old Cove Landing Trail for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Wilder Ranch State Park - Old Cove Landing Trail?
Notable species at Wilder Ranch State Park - Old Cove Landing Trail include Canada Goose, Mallard, Surf Scoter, Anna's Hummingbird, Black Oystercatcher. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Wilder Ranch State Park - Old Cove Landing Trail?
Birding at Wilder Ranch State Park - Old Cove Landing Trail is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Wilder Ranch State Park - Old Cove Landing Trail?
Wilder Ranch State Park - Old Cove Landing Trail offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.