The lower Pajaro River forms the border between Monterey County (south side) and Santa Cruz County (north side). Rich riparian habitat is present on both sides of the river in the Thurwachter Bridge / McGowan Road vicinity. There are Hotspots on either bank of the River, one assigned to Monterey County and the other to Santa Cruz County. As local editors keep track of records at the county level, please be sure to use the appropriate Hotspot, depending on which side of the river you are birding, and please do not combine in an eBird checklist birds from both sides of the river.