Birdwatching During Fall Migration
Bird enthusiasts in Santa Clara County look forward to seeing more variety of bird species as autumn approaches. More good news is that many of these birds won’t be visiting your backyard feeders and chowing down on your seed, however, it’s still important to keep your feeders stocked with fresh seed to support local and passing birds. If you’re an early riser, your chances of spotting more species is better.
What birds to watch for and where:
Flycatchers:
Fall migration usually brings an increase in flycatcher species. Key species to watch for include the Pacific-slope Flycatcher, Western Wood-Pewee, and Olive-sided Flycatcher. These species are often found in wooded areas and can be identified by their distinct calls and behavior.
Warblers:
Ulistac Natural Area can be a hotspot for warbler sightings during fall. Species like the Yellow Warbler, Orange-crowned Warbler, and the rarer Black-throated Gray Warbler can be spotted here. Warblers can be seen flitting through trees and shrubs. Keep your binoculars handy.
Shorebirds and Waterfowl:
The percolation ponds along Penitencia Creek Trail and at the Santa Clara Valley Water District are good places to see a variety of shorebirds and ducks. Species such as the Least Sandpiper, Gadwall, and Hooded Merganser are commonly seen during this time.
Raptors:
Fall migration is also a good time to spot birds of prey. The Merlin and Peregrine Falcon are notable visitors, often seen hunting in open areas near the water. The Golden Eagle can occasionally be seen soaring over the eastern hills (Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society)
Flycatchers:
Fall migration usually brings an increase in flycatcher species.
Key species to watch for include the Pacific-slope Flycatcher, Western Wood-Pewee, and Olive-sided Flycatcher.
These species are often found in wooded areas and can be identified by their distinct calls and behavior.
Warblers:
Ulistac Natural Area can be a hotspot for warbler sightings during fall. Species like the Yellow Warbler, Orange-crowned Warbler, and the rarer Black-throated Gray Warbler can be spotted here. Warblers can be seen flitting through trees and shrubs. Keep your binoculars handy.
Shorebirds and Waterfowl:
The percolation ponds along Penitencia Creek Trail and at the Santa Clara Valley Water District are good places to see a variety of shorebirds and ducks. Species such as the Least Sandpiper, Gadwall, and Hooded Merganser are commonly seen during this time.
Raptors:
Fall migration is also a good time to spot birds of prey. The Merlin and Peregrine Falcon are notable visitors, often seen hunting in open areas near the water. The Golden Eagle can occasionally be seen soaring over the eastern hills (Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society)
Some local birding hotspots:
Ulistac Natural Area:
This spot is bustling with activity during fall migration. Look out for flycatchers including the Black Phoebe, Pacific-slope Flycatcher, and Western Wood-Pewee. Warblers such as the Yellow Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, and Wilson’s Warbler are also common. Year-round residents like the Cooper’s Hawk, Nuttall’s Woodpecker, and the California Thrasher add to the diversity.
Penitencia Creek Trail:
This trail offers a mix of habitats from eucalyptus groves to percolation ponds. During fall, the ponds attract a variety of shorebirds and waterfowl such as the American Wigeon, Green-winged Teal, and Wilson’s Snipe. Raptors like the Merlin and Peregrine Falcon are also seen hunting in the area.
Santa Cruz:
Coastal areas can be excellent for spotting shorebirds and other migratory species that aren’t typically found at feeders making their way south.
More Resources:
For more detailed birding resources and information on local bird walks, check out “The Birds of Santa Clara County” booklet and “Birding at the Bottom of the Bay” book (both sold here at the Los Gatos Birdwatcher), Santa Clara Valley Bird Alliance’s (formerly Audubon Society) [website ,] and the latest updates from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s eBird database. Feel free to contact us at the Los Gatos Birdwatcher to share your sightings. Happy birdwatching!
September 30, 2024
Ulistac Natural Area:
This spot is bustling with activity during fall migration. Look out for flycatchers including the Black Phoebe, Pacific-slope Flycatcher, and Western Wood-Pewee. Warblers such as the Yellow Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, and Wilson’s Warbler are also common. Year-round residents like the Cooper’s Hawk, Nuttall’s Woodpecker, and the California Thrasher add to the diversity.
Penitencia Creek Trail:
This trail offers a mix of habitats from eucalyptus groves to percolation ponds. During fall, the ponds attract a variety of shorebirds and waterfowl such as the American Wigeon, Green-winged Teal, and Wilson’s Snipe. Raptors like the Merlin and Peregrine Falcon are also seen hunting in the area.
Santa Cruz:
Coastal areas can be excellent for spotting shorebirds and other migratory species that aren’t typically found at feeders making their way south.
More Resources:
For more detailed birding resources and information on local bird walks, check out “The Birds of Santa Clara County” booklet and “Birding at the Bottom of the Bay” book (both sold here at the Los Gatos Birdwatcher), Santa Clara Valley Bird Alliance’s (formerly Audubon Society) [website ,] and the latest updates from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s eBird database. Feel free to contact us at the Los Gatos Birdwatcher to share your sightings. Happy birdwatching! September 30, 2024