Yellow-rumped Warbler by Tony Woo
Winter here in the South Bay is an exciting time for birdwatching. While some species head south, many others arrive from more northern latitudes and altitudes, joining our year-round residents. Whether you’re watching from your backyard, visiting local open spaces, or strolling through your neighborhood, winter offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy many great birds–and to support them with the right bird feeders, wild bird food, and bird baths.
Winter here in the South Bay is an exciting time for birdwatching. While some species head south, many others arrive from more northern latitudes and altitudes, joining our year-round residents. Whether you’re watching from your backyard, visiting local open spaces, or strolling through your neighborhood, winter offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy many great birds–and to support them with the right bird feeders, wild bird food, and bird baths.
Common Winter Birds in Los Gatos, Campbell, San Jose and surrounding areas
During the cooler months, you may have these visitors in your yard depending on your garden habitat:
White-crowned Sparrow
Golden-crowned Sparrow
Red-breasted Sapsucker
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Townsend’s Warbler
Eagles
Hawks
Falcons
We also get more raptors in the Bay Area during the winter. They arrive here each winter to escape snow covered habitats where hunting for rodents proves futile. Eagles, hawks, and falcons take advantage of open fields and seasonal changes to hunt for their prey.
Birders are always on the look out for surprise visitors.
Merlin (a small species of falcon) in Lisa Myers’ walnut tree – through the scope
Lately there has been a pair of Bald Eagles observed at Vasona County Lake and Almaden Lake. Not too long ago, an American Bittern appeared at the Sunnyvale Baylands. A normally shy marsh bird that’s hard to spot, this Bittern hunted out in the open for all to enjoy. These unexpected sightings remind us how dynamic our local bird populations can be. A good pair of binoculars can make all the difference when observing these seasonal visitors, especially smaller birds like kinglets and warblers that move quickly through trees and shrubs.
Lately there has been a pair of Bald Eagles observed at Vasona County Lake and Almaden Lake. Not too long ago, an American Bittern appeared at the Sunnyvale Baylands. A normally shy marsh bird that’s hard to spot, this Bittern hunted out in the open for all to enjoy. These unexpected sightings remind us how dynamic our local bird populations can be. A good pair of binoculars can make all the difference when observing these seasonal visitors, especially smaller birds like kinglets and warblers that move quickly through trees and shrubs.
Winter Birding Myths
–Myth: Birds don’t use bird baths in winter.
Birds need clean water year-round to drink and to keep their feathers in top condition. Clean feathers help birds stay warm and insulated during cold, wet weather. A shallow bird bath with fresh water can be one of the most important winter resources you provide.
–Myth: Hummingbird feeders should come down in the winter.
Anna’s Hummingbirds live in our area all year and often begin nesting as early as December. Keeping a hummingbird feeder filled with fresh nectar helps them maintain energy during colder months. Offering safe nesting materials of dye free, natural fibers can also help them during their early breeding season.
–Myth: Seed heads don’t matter.
Seed heads do matter! Many people trim seed heads from trees and shrubs in winter to keep gardens tidy but birds love the seed heads because that’s where the food is!
–Myth: Birds like a clean yard.
Birds actually like messy yards. Leave your leaves. Leaf piles and garden debris may not look “neat” but they’re full of essential insects that birds rely on for protein. This is especially important to help our insect eating birds get through the winter.
How You Can Support Birds This Winter?
Keep bird feeders stocked with quality wild bird seed and suet
Refresh your bird bath regularly
Maintain your hummingbird feeder for Anna’s Hummingbirds
Leave seed heads and leaf litter in your garden
Visit Us to Explore Winter Birding Essentials
It’s always nice to have binoculars on hand to enjoy winter bird activity. Our in-store selection of bird feeders, wild bird food, hummingbird feeders, bird baths, and binoculars changes seasonally, so there’s always something new to discover. If you’re curious about which products work best for your yard or local birds, we’re happy to help you choose the right setup.