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Pearson-Arastradero Preserve (Spring)

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Pearson-Arastradero Preserve (Spring)

by Luis Villablanca

Pearson-Arastradero Preserve is located in Palo Alto and is a great place to go birding if you live in Mountain View, Los Altos, Palo Alto, or San Mateo. The park features a range of habitats from grasslands to oak woodland, and a small lake, all of which are home to a wide variety of birds throughout the year.  In the spring, many birds arrive from the tropics and make this their home for a few months when they build their nests and raise their young before heading back south in the fall.

Trip Covers: April - June

Key Birds: Ash-throated Flycatcher, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, California Thrasher, Lazuli Bunting

How to Bird

Pearson-Arastradero Preserve is an open space preserve located in Palo Alto on the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains. The route that I like to recommend is a 1.5 mile loop that will take you to the small lake as you walk through oak, grassland and chaparral habitats.

We will start at the parking lot (shown on interactive map) and head towards the De Anza trail (Juan Bautista de Anza trail on the maps), which is located on the other side of Arastradero Rd (#1 on map). Already at the parking lot, you may be able to see some of the local birds, like California Towhee, Dark-eyed Junco and Western Bluebird.

As you cross the street and start walking along the De Anza trail, you will enter a chaparral area which may host Spotted Towhee, Black Phoebe, Lesser Goldfinch, House Finch, Wrentit, California Scrub-Jay, California Thrasher, Bushtit, or Bewick’s Wren. 

You can sometimes also find Lazuli Buntings singing from the top of the bushes. They are arguably one of the most stunning local birds you can see in the spring, so listen for their song, which will give away their location.

Lazuli Bunting. Photo by Luis Villablanca

After 0.1 miles, we will turn left and start walking up the Wild Rye Trail (#2 on map), followed by the Paseo del Roble Trail (#3) until reaching Arastradero Lake. Along this trail the habitat switches between oak woodland and chaparral. Pay attention in the oaks for Acorn Woodpecker, Nuttall’s Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, White-breasted Nuthatch, Oak Titmouse, Hutton’s Vireo, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, House Wren and Ash-throated Flycatcher.

Ash-throated Flycatcher. Photo by Luis Villablanca

At the intersection with Paseo del Roble Trail (#3) you can sometimes find Western Bluebird, Violet-green Swallow, and Lazuli Bunting.

Violet-green Swallow. Photo by Luis Villablanca

In the Arastradero Lake area, you may be able to see some ducks, waders, herons and egrets, although what you can find changes regularly and will depend on the water level of the lake. In this area you can look for Mallard, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Oak Titmouse, Hutton’s Vireo, Song Sparrow, among others.

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher. Photo by Luis Villablanca

After you finish exploring the lake surroundings, you can make a right turn onto De Anza Trail (#4), and head back to the parking lot. Pay attention to the oaks around the lake, along the De Anza trail, since there is an active colony of Acorn Woodpeckers, which are always fun to watch.

Acorn Woodpecker on granary tree, Wild Rye Trail. Photo by Luis Villablanca

Acorn Woodpecker inserting acorn. Video by Steve Zamek

Also watch the skies for raptors along the way. Besides the regular White-tailed Kites, you can also find Red-Shouldered Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Northern Harrier,  Cooper’s Hawk and American Kestrel. You can sometimes find Western Bluebirds or Oak Titmice nesting in the boxes by the trail.

Ready for More?

If you want to explore more around the preserve, I recommend the following 1.5 mile extension. After exploring Arastradero Lake, instead of returning to the parking lot, make a left at the De Anza trail (#4), then keep going on the trail, make a left at the Ohlone Trail (#5), another left at the Acorn Trail (#6), and then left at the Meadowlark Trail (#7). Continue along the Meadowlark Trail until you connect again with the De Anza Trail (#8), make a left and continue until you reach the parking lot.

These trails cover more of the same habitats, with similar species as the first route, but it will give you more chances to spot more birds. For instance, you may find Warbling Vireo, Lazuli Bunting, Lesser Goldfinch, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Hutton’s Vireo and House Wren.

House Wren. Photo by Luis Villablanca

Another route you can try is the Redtail Loop Trail (1.5 miles), which starts right next to the parking lot (#9). The trail takes you mostly through grassland, where you can possibly spot sparrows, finches and hawks looking for a meal. Watch the eucalyptus trees on the far side of the loop, and look for Bullock’s Oriole, Western Kingbird, Western Bluebird, starlings, and raptors like Red-tailed Hawk, and White-tailed Kite.

Interactive Map

Directions: From I-280 take the Page Mill Rd exit. Go west for 0.5 miles and follow signs for Arastradero Rd. Turn right onto Arastradero Rd. The parking lot is on the right in 0.3 miles. Latitude/Longitude: 37.387182, -122.174742.

Parking: Parking lot can fill up early, especially on weekends. Be sure to arrive early. Additional parking is available along Arastradero Rd (shown on interactive map).

Fees: None

Park Hours: Open every day of the year from 8:00 a.m. until a specific time near sunset.

Facilities: ADA accessible bathrooms. Water fountains.

Public Transportation: Park and Ride (1/2 mile from park entrance) at the intersection of I-280 and Page Mill Rd

Trip Mileage: 1.5 miles with a 1.5 mile extension

Trail Conditions: The trails are easy in general, without much change in elevation. Be aware that the Wild Rye Trail is closed during the winter after a rain to prevent erosion of the terrain, which may complicate the visit to this park during that time.

Accessibility: For those with mobility issues, you can still enjoy this park by taking the short walk (about ¾ mile) to Arastradero Lake. There are a few 1” to 5” steps on the way. Also, there are two dirt ramps that are somewhat steep and can be challenging depending upon your wheels.  You may need assistance to negotiate this trail.

Bikes: This is a great trip to do by bike.

Dogs: Dogs are allowed on 6-ft leash

More Information

More Resources

Banner Photo Credit: Pearson-Arastradero by Luis Villablanca

Last Updated: 05/04/2022

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