Excellent riparian habitats–including stands of box elder, willow, and cottonwood–remain along some stretches of the Pajaro R, but other sections of the corridor were greatly changed by clearing of vegetation along eight miles of the river following a flood in 1995. Here we describe birding in an “intact” area of riparian forest downstream of Hwy 1, and also in an area affected by the 1995 clearing upstream of Hwy 1. The intact corridor, of course, is very attractive to migrant and breeding birds. But even the cleared area, with its remnant riparian vegetation, is a worthwhile birding destination, and has produced some interesting birds.
The wind often blows along the river after mid-morning, making some birding less productive. At any time of day, do not leave valuables visible in your car.
Directions. The downstream access to an intact riparian corridor starts from Thurwachter Rd. Take the Riverside Dr (Hwy 129) exit off Hwy 1 and go west. Riverside Dr quickly turns right towards West Beach Rd. Turn left (west) on West Beach and go 1.2 miles to Thurwachter Rd, marked by a stone sign. Turn left and park just before the bridge. Bird from the levees upstream and downstream from the bridge, and on both sides of the river (the south side is in Monterey County). The Watsonville Wastewater Treatment Facility, upstream from Thurwachter Rd, was formerly a shorebird hot spot, but current management and enclosed ponds preclude shorebird use. The riparian forest near the facility is still good for birds and birding.
The upstream access to the cleared section, at the end of Walker St in Watsonville, takes you to the city’s Pajaro River Levee Trail Park. From Hwy 1 take Hwy 129 east for 1.2 miles. Turn right on Walker Street (at the railroad crossing) and continue 0.2 mile and park near the end of Walker St. The paved trail along the top of the levees goes both up and downstream, but birding is best to the downstream direction.
Birds. Nesting birds (most numerous and diverse in the area downstream of Hwy 1) include most of the local riparian species, such as Wilson’s and Yellow warblers, Allen’s Hummingbird, Tree Swallow, Black-headed Grosbeak, Swainson’s Thrush, Warbling Vireo, and Downy Woodpecker. A large colony of Cliff Swallows often nests on the Thurwachter Road bridge. Both areas attract numerous migrants in spring and fall, when many vagrants have been found, too, especially near Thurwachter Rd. In winter, check the area near Thurwachter Rd for rarities among the mixed species flocks. Sparrows and finches are plentiful along the grassy slope of the levee, and the river’s flood terrace, especially along the Pajaro River Levee Trail. Ducks and other waterbirds frequent the river near Thurwachter Rd (view from the bridge). Herons and egrets are numerous from spring to fall.