The best season for birding Pioneer Park is during spring migration and in early summer when nesting birds are present. Migrant passerines will be found feeding in the oak trees during migration from April through May. By contrast, fall and winter can be very quiet here with few birds present except winter warblers and sparrows.

Species typical of oak woodland are found here all year. Great Horned Owl nests in the large eucalyptus row next to the parking lot. Lark Sparrow and Western Bluebird is found in more open habitat around the lawn and ball field. Acorn Woodpecker, California Scrub-Jay, Hutton's Vireo, Orange-crowned Warbler, Cassin's Kingbird, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, and several sparrows are common around the oak trees during expected seasons. Spring brings warblers, vireos, and flycatchers. Unusual birds found here include White-throated Sparrow, Chipping Sparrow, Fox Sparrow, and Varied Thrush.

Pioneer Park is located at 1150 West Foster Rd. in Santa Maria south of the Santa Maria Airport. Take W. Foster Rd. at South Broadway/Highway 135 and drive west to the end of the road.

Suggested Hotspot boundaries: W. Foster Rd. (north), private property field adjacent to Santa Barbara County Corporation Yard (east), private property field to Union Valley Parkway (south), S. Blosser Rd. (west)

This 15-acre public park is home to the last natural stand of California coast live oak trees in the city of Santa Maria. The oaks are located throughout the center of the park forming a canopy over the pathways that crisscross throughout. Seating benches are located along the path. A softball field and lawn area is located along the western part of the property. Just outside the park to the west and lining the parking lot you will find many large eucalyptus trees.

Pioneer Park has a substantial barbecue reservation area with lots of tables for sitting, a pavilion, a horseshoe pit, and a playground structure. The park is also used by Boy Scout Troop 91 as a meeting location and occasional campsite. Just inside the park gate, there is a small fenced native garden that will attract several birds. The park is never crowded unless the barbecue reservation area is being used. This is a unique and pleasant park in Santa Maria good for birding local or common species.

Portable toilets are available near the entrance.