Zmudowski SB

California · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Zmudowski SB is a productive birding destination in California, with 254 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Canada Goose, Muscovy Duck, and Cinnamon Teal 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

Common Ringed Plover

Charadrius hiaticula

3/5/2026Moss Landing--Jetty Road, north jetty & State Beach1 observed

Tropical Kingbird

Tyrannus melancholicus

3/5/2026Laguna Grande Park1 observed

Barrow's Goldeneye

Bucephala islandica

3/5/2026San Lorenzo River mouth1 observed

Yellow-throated Warbler

Setophaga dominica

3/5/2026Monterey--El Estero Lake and/or Monterey cemeteries1 observed

Hooded Oriole

Icterus cucullatus

3/5/2026Soquel, Crestline Way1 observed

Swainson's Hawk

Buteo swainsoni

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

Scaly-breasted Munia

Lonchura punctulata

3/4/2026My yard, Carr Ave., Aromas3 observed

Chestnut-backed Chickadee

Poecile rufescens

3/4/2026My yard, Carr Ave., Aromas1 observed

Broad-billed Hummingbird

Cynanthus latirostris

3/4/2026stakeout Broad-billed Hummingbird, Salinas (2026)1 observed

Bell's Sparrow

Artemisiospiza belli

3/4/2026Fort Ord Dunes SP1 observed

Common Raven

Corvus corax

3/4/2026Fort Ord Dunes SP2 observed

Mountain Bluebird

Sialia currucoides

3/4/2026Naval Support Activity Monterey & Del Monte Lake (Restricted Access)1 observed

Black Skimmer

Rynchops niger

3/4/2026Elkhorn Slough--Estrada & North marsh and/or Kirby Park1 observed

Yellow-throated Warbler (albilora)

Setophaga dominica

3/4/2026Monterey--El Estero Lake and/or Monterey cemeteries1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

283/5/2026

Muscovy Duck

43/5/2026

Cinnamon Teal

13/5/2026

Northern Shoveler

143/5/2026

Gadwall

683/5/2026

Mallard

83/5/2026

Green-winged Teal

23/5/2026

Redhead

43/5/2026

Greater Scaup

383/5/2026

Lesser Scaup

83/5/2026

Ruddy Duck

133/5/2026

Virginia Rail

23/5/2026

Sora

23/5/2026

American Coot

1373/5/2026

Black-bellied Plover

33/5/2026

Killdeer

23/5/2026

Short-billed Dowitcher

23/5/2026

Long-billed Dowitcher

643/5/2026

Dunlin

13/5/2026

Least Sandpiper

1153/5/2026

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 Zmudowski SB for birding?
The best months to visit Zmudowski SB for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Zmudowski SB?
Notable species at Zmudowski SB include Canada Goose, Muscovy Duck, Cinnamon Teal, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at Zmudowski SB?
Birding at Zmudowski SB is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Zmudowski SB?
Zmudowski SB offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.