Preisker Park

Preisker Park

Santa Maria, California 93458

Preisker Park Website

Tips for Birding

Fall, winter, and spring are the best seasons for birding in Preisker Park. Spring migration (late April through May) brings migrating warblers, flycatchers, tanagers, orioles, and grosbeaks to the many flowering eucalyptus trees in the northwest and northeast corners of the park, and throughout the row of tall eucalyptus trees along Preisker Lane. Spring winds can make it difficult to locate birds in the trees.

In winter, a roaming flock of sparrows and juncos will sometimes contain something unusual such as Slate-colored Junco or Chipping Sparrow. Red-breasted Nuthatch (irregular) may be found in the pines. Look through the pepper trees and magnolias for wintering sapsuckers. The wide-open sky here can make it easy to spot raptors or swallows.

In the center of the park is a pond and rocky creek bed that once flowed with water by a circulating pump, but this has been dry for several years. During periods of rain, some water will collect in the pond and will attract birds. If there is standing water here you may find the odd shorebird or other bird species drinking or bathing. A check of the grasses along the edges of the creek bed may turn up sparrows, goldfinches, or buntings.

Birds of Interest

Among the regularly occurring species in Preisker Park are Chestnut-backed Chickadee, bluebirds, robins, Cassin's Kingbird, Killdeer, woodpeckers, pipits, and blackbirds. Allen's Hummingbird is a breeding species here upon its arrival in late winter. Lawrence's Goldfinches will be found in the pines during the breeding season. Rarities include Red-naped and Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Vermilion Flycatcher, Tropical Kingbird, Black-and-white Warbler, Red Crossbill, White-throated Sparrow, and Summer Tanager.

About this Location

The entrance to Preisker Park is 330 Hidden Pines Way in north Santa Maria.

Suggested Hotspot boundaries: Hidden Pines Way (north), Preisker Lane (east), the fence line bordering Preisker Gardens neighborhood (south), and the fence line bordering Regency Estates neighborhood (west)

Preisker Park is Santa Maria's largest city park at around 40 acres in size. The habitat is primarily large areas of open lawn with tree plantings around the reservation areas, and at other scattered locations on grassy knolls. Tree varieties include Monterey pine, sycamore, pepper tree, redwood, holly oak, magnolia, Red Ironbark, blue gum, and other eucalyptus species.

A perimeter road encircles the entire park with head-in parking. Vehicles travel in a counter-clockwise direction. Amenities include barbeque reservation areas and tables, playgrounds, horseshoe pits, disc golf, and public restrooms. Preisker Park is popular with morning walkers. Weekday birding is best as weekends will be crowded with parkgoers at almost all of the reservation areas early in the day. Disc golf activity is generally light, but make note of the basket locations. Be sure to keep vehicles locked and valuables hidden from view.

Features

  • Restrooms on site

  • Wheelchair accessible trail

  • Entrance fee

Content from Jamie Chavez

Last updated November 5, 2023

Preisker Park Hotspot Boundaries. Better Birding Spots Circled in Green
Jamie Chavez