This little park has a fine riparian forest, together with oak woodland and clusters of old growth redwoods. Like most county parks it is best birded on weekdays or early on weekend mornings.
Directions. The entrance to the county park is off Aptos Creek Rd at its intersection with Soquel Dr in Aptos Village. The entrance road opens by 9 a.m.; if you visit earlier, park near the top of the road and walk in. Access to the creek itself is via trails near the playground. The stream corridor downstream of the park can be explored by wearing rubber boots.
Birds. Aptos Creek supports a productive riparian forest of cottonwood, willow, sycamore, and alder, with redwood forest close by. Most of the species to be expected in these habitats are found here. It is interesting all year, but has been especially lively during spring and fall migrations, when one should also check the coast live oaks along the entrance road. Birders find rare warblers here annually. Thriving colonies of Acorn Woodpeckers use the tops of the old redwoods across the creek for their granaries.