Much of the habitat is characterized by large expanses of lawn with scattered shade trees which is typical of many city cemeteries. Sparrows and warblers often roam the grounds feeding low around the headstones and flocking from one section to another. Mornings are best when birds are active. Concentrate on areas around the larger, established trees such as those found in the original section of the cemetery from the entrance road toward the north end. The trees planted around the flags in the "Parkway" or center section opposite the entrance are also productive. A fountain is located near the entrance which will often attract birds. There are a number of pines, sweetgum, pepper trees, and holly oaks in the cemetery. Winter brings White-crowned Sparrows and Yellow-rumped Warblers, and these birds can be found eating the ripe olives that have dropped to the ground below the trees. Look through these flocks closely for something unusual. The tall Canary Island Pines are good for warblers in fall and winter.

Common species found in Santa Maria Cemetery include Western Bluebird, Cassin's Kingbird, Say's and Black Phoebe, Red-tailed Hawk, American Goldfinch, Western Meadowlark, and Brewer's Blackbird. Occasionally gulls are spotted passing overhead in winter. Among the rarities discovered here are Merlin, Varied Thrush, Vermilion Flycatcher, White-throated Sparrow, Palm, Black-and-white, and Pine Warblers.

The Santa Maria Cemetery District main gate entrance is located at 1501 S. College Dr View Map. The cemetery is open to the public from dawn to dusk. There are no public restrooms available. Maintain a slow speed as you drive the roadways. Parking is available anywhere along these roads.

Suggested Hotspot boundaries: E. Stowell Rd. (north), S. College Dr. (east), E. Battles Rd. (south), cinder block wall bordering the housing development (west)

The new cemetery section south of E. Battles Rd. has no established trees yet and has many more visitors so birding is not recommended in this section.

Note - Birders should avoid places where cemetery mourners are present. Please be respectful and maintain your distance until visitors have left the area. Cemetery visitors generally don't stay for long periods of time.