Where can I go birding in Sacramento?

Sacramento offers excellent opportunities for bird watching throughout the year. The city’s location in the Central Valley provides habitat for both resident and migratory species. From urban parks to wildlife refuges, there are many great spots to view birds in Sacramento.

Best Times of Year for Birding in Sacramento

The best time to go birding in Sacramento depends on what types of birds you want to see. Here is an overview of the top times of year:

Winter

Many ducks, geese, and other waterfowl winter in the Sacramento area wetlands and parks. These include cackling geese, northern pintails, green-winged teals, and more. Winter is also when Sacramento hosts the largest populations of white-faced ibis, killdeer, and other shorebirds. Bald eagles are also present during winter.

Spring

Spring migration brings exciting warblers, vireos, flycatchers, and other songbirds to Sacramento. Mid-March to early June are peak times to see warbler species like Wilson’s, orange-crowned, and yellow-rumped. Great egret, black-crowned night heron, and other wading birds also stop by the wetlands during spring.

Summer

Although migration trails off in summer, there are still resident nesting species and birds that stay to breed. Look for great blue herons, great egrets, black-crowned night herons, and green herons at wetlands. Yellow-billed magpies, Acorn woodpeckers, northern mockingbirds, and more can be found in parks and urban areas.

Fall

From September through November, many duck species return to wetlands to spend the winter. Large numbers of ibis and shorebirds also pass through Sacramento again in fall. It’s a great time to spot migrating songbirds like warblers on their way south.

Top Birding Locations in Sacramento

Here are some of the best bird watching spots in and around Sacramento:

Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge Complex

Located south of Sacramento along the Pacific Flyway, this complex contains three national wildlife refuges: Sacramento, Delevan, and Colusa. Over 260 bird species have been observed here, especially waterfowl, shorebirds, and raptors. The wetland habitat also draws large numbers of tundra swans, snow geese, and sandhill cranes during migration.

Cosumnes River Preserve

Just south of Sacramento, this preserve contains a mix of wetland, riparian forest, and grassland habitat along the Cosumnes River. Diverse birds found here include sandhill cranes, great blue herons, white-faced ibis, warblers, and threatened species like greater sandhill cranes and Swainson’s hawks.

Effie Yeaw Nature Center

Located along the American River Parkway in Carmichael, this nature area features riparian woodlands that attract migratory songbirds. Spot species like northern flickers, spotted towhees, bushtits, Bewick’s wrens, and western wood-pewees here throughout the year.

William Pond Recreation Area

This park contains a large pond, riparian habitat, and oak woodlands that provide varied birding. Look for herons, egrets, ducks, geese, and grebes on the water. California scrub jays, lesser goldfinches, and Nuttall’s woodpeckers are also common.

Lake Natoma

Created along the American River by Nimbus Dam, this lake offers a convenient birding spot near downtown Sacramento. It attracts wintering waterfowl like buffleheads, common goldeneyes, and common mergansers. Bald eagles are often seen here in winter.

Sacramento Bypass Wildlife Area

Operated by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, this wildlife area along the Sacramento River contains restored wetlands, riparian forest, and fields. Over 200 bird species have been recorded, including shorebirds, ducks, swallows, yellow-headed blackbirds, and more.

Bannister Park

Located along the American River in downtown Sacramento, this urban park provides paved walking paths under a canopy of large, mature trees. It’s a convenient spot to look for woodpeckers, nuthatches, warblers, and other songbirds.

Glen Hall Park

Found in the Fabulous 40s neighborhood, this small community park contains open lawns, rose gardens, and mature trees that attract urban songbirds. Spot species like Oak titmouse, white-breasted nuthatch, northern mockingbird, and American robin.

Tips for Birding in Sacramento

Use these tips to have the best success viewing and identifying birds:

• Bring binoculars and a field guide.
• Move slowly and quietly to avoid startling birds.
• Look and listen for movement and vocalizations in trees and shrubs.
• Pay attention to bird behavior and field marks like plumage color and pattern.
• View waterbirds and raptors from strategic vantage points.
• Visit sites during peak activity times like early morning.
• Join a local bird walk or visit sites with knowledgeable guides.

Conclusion

Sacramento offers world-class birding opportunities throughout the year thanks to its diversity of habitat. From wetlands to riparian forests and urban parks, there are many excellent spots to view resident and migratory birds in the area. Use this guide to pick the best sites and times to see your target species.