A number of duck species have been recorded at Mud Lake in fall and winter such as Canvasback, Ring-necked Duck, Blue-winged Teal, American Wigeon, Northern Pintail, Lesser Scaup, and Bufflehead. The occasional goose has also turned up here. Also look for herons, rails, coots, grebes, swallows, sparrows, and blackbirds. Rarities include Solitary Sandpiper, and Common Gallinule.

This 8-acre flood control pond is known to locals as Mud Lake. The pond is located in a residential area of Orcutt at Via Santa Maria and Kenneth Ave. There is plenty of parking on Via Santa Maria on the north side of the pond. There is no access into the property. Bird from outside the fence along the sidewalk.

Waterfowl diversity is highly dependent on seasonal rainfall. Much of the year the pond may contain little water with only a muddy bottom and exposed shoreline, but this can be good for shorebirds during migration in spring and fall. There is a small willow pocket close to Via Santa Maria.

A spotting scope may be helpful.