April

Originally published in April 2022

Almost anywhere along the American River Parkway is good birding in this season.  Here are some suggested birding spots from veteran birder, Cathie LaZier.

Rufous-crowned Sparrow, Image by Daniel Lee Brown

Sailor Bar
American River Parkway

Check the riverside trees for Bullock's Orioles. Upstream is a good area to find the elusive Rufous-crowned Sparrow, and you have a view across the river of the Nimbus Fish Hatchery. Downstream you may find Great Blue Herons nesting, and Phainopepla and California Quail are often found here.

Directions
Address: 4253 Illinois Ave, Fair Oaks CA 96628
From downtown Sacramento: take Highway 50 east for 17.5 miles from Interstate 5, and exit at Hazel Avenue. Drive north over the freeway and cross the American River. Turn left onto Winding Way (1.3 miles from Highway 50), and go for 0.5 mile; then turn left onto Illinois Avenue.  
Parking and Fees: A Sac County Park Pass or $7 entry fee is required for all vehicles. Recommend parking in the last parking lot on your left, just before the boat launch parking area.

Common Gallinule, Image by Mary Forrestal

Silva Valley Parkway (aka Bucks Creek Trail/Serrano Parkway), El Dorado Hills

An easy walk along this riparian habitat will turn up resident and migrating species such as woodpeckers, wrens, bluebirds and warblers. Common Gallinules are usually easy to view here and in this varied habitat, there is always the possibility of unusual finds.

Directions
Access is at the southeast corner of the intersection of Silva Valley Parkway and Serrano Parkway. To reach this spot, exit Hwy 50 at Exit 31, Silva Valley Parkway, and turn left. Follow the Parkway about a mile to the first stop light, make a U-turn and immediately park along the Parkway.
Latitude / Longitude 38°40'10.1"N 121°03'48.4"W

Tree Swallow, Image by Chris Conard

Gibson Ranch, Elverta 

This county park, a former ranch, has varied habitats. Drive to the very last parking lot and you can access the wooded trail along Dry Creek. Walking either way you should find a variety of birds. Elsewhere in the park there is also a small lake and several picnic areas with mown grassy areas and shady trees. This would be a good trip for families; you may want to take a lunch! 

Directions
Address: 8556 Gibson Ranch Road, Elverta CA 95626
Parking & Fees: A Sac County Park Pass or $7 entry fee is required for all vehicles.

Pied-billed Grebe, Image by Larry Hickey

William B. Pond Recreation Area

This park along the American River has numerous paths through a variety of habitats. It is an excellent location to visit in any season. In April, look for Merganser and remaining Goldeneye on the river. Watch the trees and shrubs for resident wrens and towhees, as well as returning flycatchers, swallows, vireos, and warblers. Check out the pond area for Pied-billed Grebes, herons and blackbirds. In the park area you may find Western Bluebird and Yellow-billed Magpie.

Directions:
Address: 5700 Arden Way, Carmichael, CA 95608
From downtown Sacramento: take Highway 50 east for 7.0 miles from  Interstate 5, and take the Watt Avenue exit  north. Proceed 1.6 miles north to Fair Oaks Boulevard and head east for 2.5 miles to Arden Way. Turn right and go 0.7 mile to the entrance and fee station.
Parking & Fees: A Sac County Park Pass or $7 entry fee is required for all vehicles.

March

Originally published in March 2023

Many locations recommended in prior months can be explored in the spring, especially along the American River Parkway. Putah Creek remains a favorite area for birders to find a variety of warblers. Lingering waterfowl will still be present at Yolo Bypass Area and Cosumnes River Preserve. Nesting Great Blue Herons can be found in large numbers at their Rookery along the river at William Pond. Here are a few additional birding sites recommended by veteran birder, Carla Barbaro.

Wild Turkeys are often seen on a visit to the Effie Yeaw Nature Center, Image by Daniel Lee Brown

Effie Yeaw Nature Center, Ancil Hoffman Park, Carmichael

This nature center area should not be overlooked in the spring as the trails are easy to walk, family friendly, and lead to good views of the American River. This is a wonderful place for children to find Wild Turkeys, Acorn Woodpeckers, and deer. There are many nesting species such as Bushtit, and Anna’s Hummingbird. Bluebirds, wrens, thrushes, vireos, raptors and migrating warblers also inhabit the area. Learn more about the Effie Yeaw Nature Center programs and events here.

Directions
Address: 2850 San Lorenzo Way, Carmichael, CA 95608
From downtown Sacramento: take Highway 50 east for 7.0 miles from Interstate 5, and take the Watt Avenue exit north. After 1.6 miles, turn right onto Fair Oaks Boulevard. In 4.0 miles, turn right onto Val Alstine Avenue. After 0.4 mile, turn left onto California Avenue, then turn right onto Tarshes Drive. The parking area for the nature center is on San Lorenzo Way, a left turn off Tarshes Drive (The gate on San Lorenzo Way off Palm Avenue is an exit only).
Parking & Fees: A Sac County Park Pass or $7 entry fee is required for all vehicles.

Yellow-breasted Chat, Image by Daniel Lee Brown

Deer Creek, El Dorado Co.

This riparian zone along Deer Creek includes oak woodlands and open grasslands, affording a variety of bird habitats for migrant and resident passerines. Follow along the Placerville and Sacramento Valley Railroad tracks which have become a rails-to-trails corridor open to the public for hiking. Expected species are Willow and Ash-throated Flycatchers, Yellow-breasted Chat, Black-headed Grosbeak, Bullock’s Oriole, Western Bluebirds, vireos, and numerous woodpeckers, sparrows, and raptors. Be prepared to hike along the ties of the tracks which can be uneven. Bring adequate water and dress for a cool morning with warming during the day. Mosquito spray may be needed.

Directions
From Sacramento: take Hwy 50 east to Latrobe Road, Exit 30A. Follow Latrobe Road south for about 4.8 miles until you cross a bridge; you will pass Cothrin Ranch Road on the left at the end of the bridge, and then watch for a broad gravel pull out on the right. A very small brown sign says El Dorado Trail. Park there, and after entering the field, take the trail to the far right near the road (west) and follow it a short distance to the rail road tracks. You are now on the hiking trail.
Latitude / Longitude: 38°35'51.2"N 121°01'10.5"W

Red-shouldered Hawk, Image by Daniel Lee Brown

William Pond Park

Located on the American River, the varied habitat supports spring migrants and nesting birds. A few likely species include Wood Duck, Bewick's Wren, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Western Bluebird, and American Goldfinch. Raptors frequent the area, and in some years a Great Horned Owl nest can be found. At least two pair of Red-shouldered Hawks usually nest here. Visit the pond at the last parking lot and take the trail along the side to your left. At the other end of the pond, looking towards the river, you'll be able to view the heron rookery. There are many small trails leading off the bike trail down to the river, and the bridge that crosses the river gives an opportunity to find water species.

Directions
Address: 5700 Arden Way, Carmichael, CA 95608
From the intersection of Fair Oaks and Arden: follow Arden east, just under 1 mile, and it runs into the park. 
Parking & Fees: A Sac County Park Pass or $7 entry fee is required for all vehicles.

American White Pelican, Image by Chris Conard

Shollenberger Park, Petaluma 

A long trail circles open water and marshy flats, and many shorebirds, ducks, geese, sandpipers, and gulls can be found. A few of the typical species are Green-winged Teal, Ruddy Duck, Northern Shoveler, Virginia Rail, Black-necked Stilts and White Pelicans. Peregrine Falcons have been seen here as well. For more information about this location visit the Petaluma Wetlands Alliance. (At colintalcroft.com adjacent birding areas are also listed.)

Directions
Address: 1400 Cader Ln, Petaluma, CA 94954
From Vallejo (going west on Highway 37): Turn right onto Lakeville Highway, about 1.5 miles after passing Sears Point on Highway 37, and go about 9 miles. Turn left onto Cader Lane. When Cader Lane ends at South McDowell Boulevard, look across the street and slightly to your left for the entrance to the park.

February

Originally published January 25, 2023.

Sacramento Area Refuges and Preserves

Ring-necked Duck, Image by Chris Conard

The wildlife refuges and preserves throughout the Sacramento Area continue to be wonderful places to visit in February. There are still plenty of ducks and geese, as well as other wetland species, passerines and raptors. However, because of the January storms, several of these locations are closed due to flooding. Those that remain open are definitely worth a visit.

As of January 25, 2023, the auto tours and walking trails at Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge and Gray Lodge Wildlife Area are open to visitors. The walking trails at Sutter National Wildlife Refuge are scheduled to open on February 16. At Colusa National Wildlife Refuge the auto tour is closed but the parking area and viewing platform are open. Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area is closed and Cosumnes River Preserve is partially opened.

For complete information on visiting these location and to find out about current conditions, visit the following websites:

Female Common Merganser, Image by Daniel Lee Brown

All of the American River Parks were affected by January’s storms but most have reopened for use. You can find current information about the status of these and other Sacramento County parks at https://regionalparks.saccounty.gov/Pages/Park-Status-Update.aspx.

Sacramento Bar is one of the more popular areas to bird along the American River Parkway and is once again open to the public. This spot offers a variety of habitat, riparian riverbanks, open grassland within its interior along with a few ponds, and some lowland flooded areas in the winter. You can explore the many trails within this area or follow the main trail around its exterior. Be sure to check the river for goldeneye, mergansers, and a variety of gulls.  

Directions
From Highway 50, drive north on Sunrise Blvd.; turn left on Fair Oaks Blvd. and take the first left on Pennsylvania and follow it into the park.
Address: 3936 Pennsylvania Ave, Fair Oaks, CA 95628
Parking & Fees: A Sac County Park Pass or $7 entry fee is required for all vehicles.

Common Loon, Image by Ray Rozema

One birding location not negatively affected by the January storms is Beals Point at Folsom Lake. A visit here will remind you just how much rain is needed to make-up for the past several dry years. But if you don’t mind a quarter mile walk down to the shore from the parking area, this is a great place to visit. A variety of gulls and grebes can be found here by scanning the water from the shoreline. Less common but still frequent are the loons. Rock Wrens can be found among the granite rock outcroppings and variety of wintering and resident birds make it worthwhile to check the wooded areas surrounding the lake and in the campground.

Directions
In northern Sacramento, from the intersection of Interstate 5 and Interstate 80, drive East on I-80 for 17 miles to Douglas Boulevard East (exit 103A). Head east on Douglas Blvd for 5.2 miles, and turn right on Auburn Folsom Road. After 1.8 miles, turn left at the Beals Point access.
Address: Beals Point, Granite Bay, CA 95746
Parking & Fees: A California State Park Pass or $12 single day use fee is required for all vehicles.


Arrowhead Marsh and MLK Jr. Regional Shoreline

Chestnut-backed Chickadee, Image by Daniel Lee Brown

For those of you who don’t mind a drive to the east Bay Area (San Leandro Bay), this is a jewel. The habitat includes estuary, mudflats, salt marsh, grasslands, lawn, small groves of trees. The terrain is flat and the walking is easy on the numerous trails. The highlight for birders is Ridgway’s Rail, often in fairly good numbers. Other targets include Greater and Lesser Scaup,  Western, Horned, and Eared Grebes, and Surf Scoters. Several duck species are present, including Green-winged Teal, Blue-winged Teal, Northern Pintail, Gadwall, goldeneye, and Bufflehead. 

Possible shorebirds to watch for include American Avocet, Black-necked Stilt, Marbled Godwit, Willet, Black-bellied Plover, Black Oystercatcher, and dowitchers. For those who like gulls, a half dozen species are possible, including Short-billed, Western, Herring, Glaucous-winged, California, and Ring-billed. Forster’s Tern usually shows up as well. Trees and open areas near the water can hold various sparrows, Yellow-rumped Warblers, and Chestnut-backed Chickadees.

A spotting scope is quite helpful.

Directions
Arrowhead Marsh points northwest into shallow San Leandro Bay between Oakland International Airport and McAfee (formerly Oakland-Alameda County) Coliseum.
Address: 1 Swan Way, Oakland, CA 94621 (for MLK Regional Shoreline)
From MLK Jr Regional Shoreline: take the first left and follow the road into the Arrowhead Marsh.
From Oakland: take I-880 (Nimitz Frwy.) south to Hegenberger Rd. and turn right. Drive about a mile to Doolittle Dr. and turn right. After a third of a mile, turn right again onto Swan Way. Then make your first left and follow the road into the wetlands.

January

Originally published January 1, 2022

Suggested Birding Sites for January

Lincoln Grasslands

Tundra Swan, Image by Mary Forrestal

The grasslands and flooded farmlands in this area west of Lincoln provide some of the best winter birding in the northern Sacramento Valley. There are a multitude of country roads to explore to the west of Hwy 65, north of Sunset Blvd., east of Pleasant Grove Road, and south of Riosa Road near the small town of Sheridan. Wintering flocks of waterfowl, shorebirds, and birds of prey thrive here at this time of the year.

Blue-winged Teal, Image by Daniel Lee Brown

This is probably the most reliable and easiest place to see Blue-winged Teal in the Sacramento area. Gadwall, Cinnamon and Green-winged Teal, Black-necked Stilts and Avocets are often found. It's a good place to include with a trip to the Yolo Bypass area. Read more about the Yolo Bypass area in the November suggestions.

Directions
From downtown Sacramento, take Hwy. 50 west, cross over the Sacramento River and take the Jefferson Boulevard exit. Turn left onto Jefferson and turn right on Lake Washington Boulevard. Follow Lake Washington Boulevard and then turn left onto Southport Parkway. At 2.8 miles, turn right on Oakland Bay Drive, make an immediate right onto Bowen Island Street, left on Solomon Island Road and right on Pender Island Street. Park at the end of the cul-de-sac.

Fox Sparrow, Image by Chris Conard

This 430-acre National Audubon Sanctuary on the Feather River is managed by Sacramento Audubon. At this time of year you can find resident and wintering birds such as Hermit Thrush, Fox Sparrow, crowned sparrows, both towhees, and various raptors. If there has been rain, the trails may be wet and muddy. You can print a trail map for Bobelaine, or maps are usually available at the entrance to the Sanctuary. 

Directions
From Sacramento take Hwy.99 north toward Yuba City and about 2 miles north of the Feather River Bridge turn right on Laurel Avenue. Follow Laurel to the dead end at the Bobelaine parking lot.    
Address: 15 Laurel Ave, Yuba City, CA 95991

 

Recommendations provided by Richard Barbieri, Sacramento Audubon Field Trip Leader.

 

December

Originally published December 1, 2021

Sandhill Cranes, South of Sacramento off I-5

Sandhill Cranes at Cosumnes River Preserve, Image by Ray Rozema

Sandhill Cranes are a specialty of the Central Valley in late fall and winter, and unlike birding for other species, late day-early evening viewing of these amazing birds can be a great success. Several of the best places to do this are south of Sacramento near I-5. First in the string of sites is Cosumnes River Preserve where they can be found along Desmond Road and on both sides of Franklin Boulevard.  

My favorite Crane experience can be found at Staten Island late afternoon and just past sunset. This is when large numbers of Sandhill Cranes come in to rest overnight in the safety of shallow, flooded fields. To see these birds against the sky at dusk, especially if there is also a great sunset, is a wonderful treat. Birding is done from the road only as this is a working agricultural area.

The third site heading south on I-5 is Woodbridge Ecological Reserve (aka Isenberg Crane Preserve.) Viewing from a parking lot is excellent any time of the day, and one of the places where the fly-in at dusk can be spectacular.

All three venues also support large numbers of ducks and geese. Shorebirds may be present, raptors work the surrounding fields, and wintering sparrows can be found in the open fields and along hedgerows.

- Maureen Geiger

Directions
Cosumnes River Preserve - drive south on I-5 from Sacramento about 20 miles to Twin Cities Road. Exit and cross over the freeway heading east to Franklin Boulevard. Turn right onto Franklin and go south 1.7 miles; the Visitor Center will be on the left.
Address: 13501 Franklin Blvd, Galt, CA 95632

Staten Island - take I-5 south from Sacramento for 24 miles to the Walnut Grove/Thornton exit, #493. Head west for 3.8 miles on Walnut Grove Road. Shortly after crossing the Mokelumne River, turn left on Staten Island Road. Continue down this road about half a mile to the flooded fields. Stay on the road as this is a working agricultural area.
Google Map Point for Staten Island

Woodbridge Ecological Reserve - from Sacramento take I-5 south to Peltier Road, exit #490. At the bottom of the exit, turn left to Thornton Road where you will go right. Continue on Thornton until the stop sign at the corner of Woodbridge Road. At this point make a right turn only Woodbridge Road which goes west under the I-5 freeway. Drive 2.4 miles to the turnout of the Preserve on the left side of Woodbridge Road.
Google Map Point for Woodbridge Ecological Reserve

Yellow-rumped Warbler, Image by Daniel Lee Brown

This large, wooded park offers a variety of trails to explore, riverfront, shaded oak woodlands and open grassy areas. Entering the park, follow the road in till it crosses the bike path, then take your first left and continue to the main parking area. The mown picnic area lawn is good for turkeys, Western Bluebirds, Dark-eyed Juncos, Yellow-rumped Warblers, and Red-shouldered Hawks. Then take the river trail going upstream, watching the oak woodland for towhees, wrens, Oak Titmice, and other passerines, and scanning the river for mergansers, goldeneye and Bufflehead. Shortly after you pass another parking lot/bathroom/picnic area, there is a large rocky island midstream, which is good for yellowlegs, Spotted Sandpipers and Killdeer. Herons, egrets, and Belted Kingfishers can be found in this area too. When you reach the triangular 15 mile sign, it's time to turn back. You can return on the same trail, or take the side trails down to the cobbled river bank or into the oak woodland. From the developed section of the park you can cross the river on the footbridge to William Pond Park. The bridge offers good views up and down river; sometimes you can watch mergansers hunting underwater. This park is worth several trips, as the extensive oak woodland between the bike trail and the river is criss-crossed with smaller trails. Great Horned Owls are often found in these woods. 

Directions
Address: 2300 Rod Beaudry Dr, Sacramento, CA 95827
From Folsom Blvd., between Bradshaw and Mather Field Road, take Rod Beaudry Drive north into the park. A Sac County Park Pass or $7 entry fee is required for all vehicles.   

- Cathie Lazier

East Lawn Cemetery (AKA East Lawn Memorial Park)

Red-breasted Nuthatch, Image by Ray Rozema

This park-like setting has mowed lawns and tall evergreen and deciduous trees such as palm, oak, maple, pine, and magnolia. Dense shrubbery lines the west boundary with a few thickets scattered throughout the cemetery, and paved roads meander through this 40-acre park. The wonderful old trees are a haven for common wintering birds and may produce less common species such as Red-breasted Nuthatches, Mountain Chickadee, and Red-Breasted Sapsuckers. Winter hours are 8 a.m. to dusk.  

Directions
Address: 4300 Folsom Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95819
The entrance is on Folsom Boulevard at 43rd Street. From Sacramento City, take Highway 50 east to 34th Street exit (2.3 miles east of Interstate 5). Turn left at 34th Street and go 0.6 mile to Folsom Boulevard. Turn right and go 0.7 mile to the cemetery entrance. Parking is permitted along the paved roads.

Cooper’s Hawk, Image by Daniel Lee Brown

Bobelaine is home to a wide variety of birds and wildlife throughout the seasons. Winter is a nice time to explore the trails and search for resident and wintering birds such as woodpeckers, Cedar Waxwings, Yellow-rumped Warblers, Ruby-crowned Kinglets, Hermit Thrushes, and Spotted Towhees. A variety of other sparrows, including Fox Sparrows, are settling in for the winter. Woodland raptors such as Red-shouldered Hawk, Cooper’s Hawk, and Sharp-shinned Hawk may be found as well. Trails are accessed via a high, steep levee; but once inside the Preserve, you can walk several miles on mostly level ground.

Directions
Address: 15 Laurel Ave, Yuba City, CA 95991
From Sacramento take Hwy. 99 north toward Yuba City; about 2 miles north of the Feather River Bridge, turn right on Laurel Avenue. Follow Laurel to the dead end at the Bobelaine parking lot.

Colusa National Wildlife Refuge 

Ross’s Goose, Image by Ray Rozema

Approximately 1 hour north of Sacramento, the Colusa NWR is a great location to view large waterfowl concentrations. There will be plenty of ducks and geese, as well as other wetland species, passerines and raptors. Spend time at the viewing platform where a spotting scope will be useful, and then take an easy walk on a level trail through riparian habitat next to the main viewing pond. Finish your outing to this wonderful NWR by taking the short auto tour. More information about Colusa National Wildlife Refuge can be found at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service website.

Directions:
Address: 2180 State Hwy 20, Colusa, CA 95932
From Sacramento head north on I-5. Take exit at Hwy 20 at Williams. Go 6.7 miles east on Hwy 20. Turn right onto O Hair Road and follow the road to Visitor Area.
Fees: Entrance passes are not currently required for admission into the Visitor Use Areas of Colusa NWR.

 

Recommendations provided by Sacramento Audubon Field Trip Leaders: Maureen Geiger and Cathie Lazier.

 

November

Originally published October 25, 2022

Suggested Birding Sites for November

Lincoln WWTP and Placer County Roads

Canvasback were reported in November 2020 at the Lincoln WWTP, Image by Daniel Lee Brown

Start by birding the Lincoln water treatment plant. There are several large ponds which can hold a variety of ducks. Be sure to check in at the WWTP office when you arrive, especially if you haven’t birded there in a few years. The folks at the treatment plant are happy to let birders visit, but the access to the plant has changed in the past few years. From the plant, you can drive nearby backroads of Placer County, searching flooded fields for wintering waterfowl and shorebirds. Several open dry fields may provide hunting grounds for raptors.

Directions
Take I-80 east from Sacramento to Roseville. Take Hwy. 65 west to Sunset Boulevard; take West Sunset Boulevard, then right on North Foothills Boulevard. Turn left on Athens and right on Fiddyment Road to 1245 on the right.
Address for Lincoln WWTP: 1245 Fiddyment Rd, Lincoln, CA 95648

Please note hours are 7am to 3:30pm weekdays only, and birders must sign in and out at the office.

Northern Pintail are commonly found at Cosumnes River Preserve in the fall and winter,
Image by Larry Hickey

Walking the boardwalk loop is a great way to check out the wintering waterfowl, including a variety of duck species, Greater White-fronted Geese, and Sandhill Cranes. Dowitchers, Wilson’s Snipe, and yellowlegs should be present. There are always some passerines and raptors. Driving Desmond and Bruceville Roads can also be good viewing areas. Visit the Cosumnes River Preserve Website for more information including a digital trail map.

Directions
To reach the visitor center, take Interstate 5 about 20 miles south from Sacramento until you reach Twin Cities Road exit. Go east on Twin Cities Road for one mile to Franklin Boulevard. At the stop sign, go south for 1.7 miles, and the visitor center will be on your left.
Address: 13501 Franklin Blvd, Galt, CA 95632

Cosumnes River Preserve is an Accessible Birding location. To learn more about the accessibility of this location click here.

Solano Lake/Putah Creek

Pileated Woodpecker, Image by Ray Rozema

Putah Creek is home to many resident and wintering birds. Nearby Lake Solano is a good area for wintering ducks including possible Barrow’s Goldeneye and Hooded Mergansers. Phainopeplas and Brown Creepers are possible, and Pileated Woodpeckers have been found in the area.

Directions
To get to Putah Creek, take I-80 to the Pedrick Road exit between Davis and Dixon. Head north on Pedrick Road After a mile or two, there is a bridge over the creek and the parking lot is on the left. To get to Lake Solano from Putah Creek, head further north on Pedrick Road and turn left on Russell Blvd. Continue west on Russell Blvd. past the town of Winters and follow the signs to Lake Solano Park.
Address Lake Solano Park: 8685 Pleasants Valley Rd, Winters, CA 95694
Parking & Fees: There is a $6 fee per car at Lake Solano Park.

It is also worth heading slightly further up Highway 128 to Monticello Dam, where Canyon Wrens and Rufous Crowned Sparrows are sometimes found.

Salt Springs Valley

Loggerhead Shrike have been reported in this area, Image by Daniel Lee Brown

This area is located in western Calaveras County about an hour and a half drive
from Sacramento. The open valley and its lake are home to many wintering ducks, hawks, eagles, owls and grassland birds.

Hunt Road, Rock Creek Road and Salt Springs Valley Road form a loop around the lake and have plenty of places to pull off the road to look at the birds. Be prepared for cold, windy conditions and thick fog. This is an extremely rural area, and though gas stations, restrooms, and dining establishments can be found in Valley Springs and Copperopolis, there are none in the valley itself. 

Directions
To get there from Sacramento, take Highway 99 south to Highway 12 in the town of Lodi. Highway 12 intersects Highway 26 in the town of Valley Springs. Take Highway 26 south to Jenny Lind Rd. Jenny Lind Road becomes Milton Road which then intersects Hunt Road and Rock Creek Road.
Google Directions for Salt Springs Valley Reservoir

Snow Goose, Image by Daniel Lee Brown

This refuge is a prime wintering area for migrating ducks and geese with both walking trails and an auto route. Expect to find Snow, Ross, and Greater White-fronted Geese, along with Northern Pintail, Northern Shoveler, American Wigeon, Green-winged Teal, Gadwall and Bufflehead. Rarer but still frequently sighting visitors include European Wigeons, Blue-winged Teal, Ring-necked and Ruddy Ducks. Raptors such as Peregrine Falcon and Bald Eagles are also frequently sighted. At the California Department of Fish and Wildlife website, you’ll find maps of the wildlife viewing area, a handy bird checklist and more.

Directions
From Sacramento, take Interstate 5 for 7 miles north of Highway 50. Take the Highway 99/Highway 70 exit (exit 525B) toward Marysville/Yuba City. After 12.5 miles, at the 99/70 split, take Highway 99 toward Yuba City—do not take Highway 70. Stay on Highway 99 for another 32 miles, heading through Yuba City to Like Oak. At Live Oak, turn left on Pennington Road. Pennington Road will make several turns and bends trending north/northwest after 5.9 miles, where it becomes Powell Road for 0.5 mile, then bears left to become North Butte Road for 1.8 miles. After about eight miles from Highway 99, turn right on Almond Orchard Avenue. From here, it is 1.7 miles to Rutherford Road. Turn left (west) on Rutherford Road into the Gray Lodge Wildlife Area.
Address: 3207 Rutherford Rd, Gridley, CA 95948
Parking & Fees: There is a $4.50 per person charge at Gray Lodge; so it’s wise to bring the exact amount for the Iron Ranger.

Gray Lodge Wildlife Refuge is an Accessible Birding location. To learn more about the accessibility of this location click here.

Mountain Plover, Image by Daniel Lee Brown

This is a great area for wintering raptors such as Ferruginous Hawks and Golden Eagles as well as Loggerhead Shrikes, Say’s Phoebes and with luck, Mountain Plovers and Tricolored Blackbirds. Traffic is sparse on these rural roads which helps make birding pleasant and rewarding. Be sure and explore the side roads off of Robinson Road such as Creed Road, Goosehaven Road, Flannery Road and McCormack Road. After crossing Hwy. 12 take Birds Landing Road to Shiloh where there are more possibilities for good birding.

Directions:
Take I-80 from Sacramento west about 19 miles and take the Hwy. 113 exit heading south. Go through Dixon and at 17 miles turn left on Robinson Road. You can drive this road and explore side roads such as Creed Road, Goosehaven Road, Flannery Road and McCormack Road. You can continue south across Hwy. 12 and take Birds Landing Road to Shiloh.
Latitude/Longitude for Robinson Road: 38.2199083,-121.7823315

Rofous-crowned Sparrow, Image by Ray Rozema

This area is located in the Auburn State Recreation Area at the confluence of the North and South Forks of the American River. Wrentits, Rufous-Crowned Sparrows, and other species typical of the Sierra Foothills are often seen here. Bald Eagles, Peregrine Falcons, Band-Tailed Pigeons, and even Canyon Wrens are possible as well. The first 2 miles of the trail are fairly flat and follow along the American River. The trail then starts to head uphill and continues for another 5 miles or so.

Directions:
To get there from Sacramento, take I-80 east to the town of Auburn. Take the exit for Highway 49 south towards Placerville. Once you cross the American River into El Dorado County, the parking lot for the trailhead is on the left side of Highway 49 and is fairly well marked.
Google Directions for Quarry Trail Parking Area

Tundra Swans, Image by Daniel Lee Brown

This great area is only 10 minutes from downtown Sacramento. The area has walking trails and an auto route. Depending on the extent of flooded fields on the auto tour route, there may be good numbers of shorebirds and waterfowl. This can also be a good viewing area for migrating swans. 

Directions
Take Interstate 80 west across the Yolo Causeway (about 6.5 miles from Sacramento) and exit at East Chiles Road/Road 32A (exit 78) at the west end of the causeway. Turn right at the stop sign and pass under the freeway. Immediately turn left, drive up onto the levee, then drop down into the wildlife area. The auto loop is posted along the way.

See updated maps & information on the Yolo Basin Foundation website.

October

Originally published Oct 2, 2022.

October is an exciting time for birding in the Sacramento area. Many fall favorites return to the area: various Crowned Sparrows, Hermit Thrush, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, and Yellow-rumped Warbler. To see these new arrivals, anywhere along the American River is an excellent choice. While there, be sure to keep an eye out for ducks returning to the river, such as Goldeneye and Merganser; and an ear listening for Sandhill Crane flying overhead.

Sailor Bar

White-crowned Sparrow, Image by Chris Conard

This is always a productive site, located on the north side of the American River. Look for migratory ducks on the river. Walk inland along the path above the river and look for the Rufous- crowned Sparrow. As you walk along the riverbank, check the shrubbery for migratory warblers. The trail splits as you walk down the river; go right and look for Goldfinches in the berry bushes. Phainopepla may be perched at the top of a tree.

Directions
Address: 4253 Illinois Ave, Fair Oaks CA 96628
From downtown Sacramento: take Highway 50 east for 17.5 miles from Interstate 5, and exit at Hazel Avenue. Drive north over the freeway and cross the American River. Turn left onto Winding Way (1.3 miles from Highway 50), and go for 0.5 mile; then turn left onto Illinois Avenue.
Parking and Fees: A Sac County Park Pass or $7 entry fee is required for all vehicles. Recommend parking in the last parking lot on your left, just before the boat launch parking area.

Yellow-rumped Warbler, Image by Daniel Lee Brown

This park along the American River has numerous paths through a variety of habitats. It is an excellent location to visit in any season. In October look for Goldeneye and Merganser, along the river. Watch the trees and shrubs for resident wrens and towhees, as well as returning sparrows, flickers, kinglets and others. Check out the pond area for grebes, herons and blackbirds. In the park area you may find Western Bluebird and Yellow-rumped Warbler.

Directions:
Address: 5700 Arden Way, Carmichael, CA 95608
From downtown Sacramento: take Highway 50 east for 7.0 miles from  Interstate 5, and take the Watt Avenue exit  north. Proceed 1.6 miles north to Fair Oaks Boulevard and head east for 2.5 miles to Arden Way. Turn right and go 0.7 mile to the entrance and fee station.
Parking & Fees: A Sac County Park Pass or $7 entry fee is required for all vehicles.

Downy Woodpecker, Image by Chris Conard

River Bend Park is located on the south side of the American River. The habitat is a mix of trees and shrubs. This is a good site to find Acorn, Nuttall’s and Downy Woodpeckers as well as a possible Red-breasted Sapsucker. There are many paths to follow including along the American River. Watch for Great Horned Owl and Cooper's Hawk. White-breasted Nuthatch will be in the trees. Check the river for Yellowlegs and Killdeer.

Directions
Address: 2300 Rod Beaudry Dr, Sacramento, CA 95827
From Sacramento take Folsom Blvd to Rod Beaudry Drive. Turn left and drive 0.65 mi (north) to the start of the Parkway and a payment kiosk. Continue to follow the road to access a couple other parking lots, driving for a total of 0.7 mi past the entrance to reach the parking lot closest to the river.
Parking & Fees: A Sac County Park Pass or $7 entry fee is required for all vehicles.

Phainopepla, Image by Dan Lee Brown

On the north side of the river, this is a good site to look for a number of species. In the parking lot, watch the trees and brushy areas for Oak Titmouse, Bushtit, Towhees, and Acorn Woodpecker. Cross the bike path and head for the American River. Scan the river for Common Merganser, Bufflehead, and Common and Barrow's Goldeneye. Don't forget to check the shrubbery; often a warbler will be moving through the bushes. Look overhead for Swallows as well as White-throated Swift. If you hear a rattle-y bird call, look for a Belted Kingfisher. Check the banks of the river for yellowlegs and Spotted Sandpipers, and enjoy your morning!  

Directions
Address: 3936 Pennsylvania Ave, Fair Oaks, CA 95628
From Highway 50, drive north on Sunrise Blvd.; turn left on Fair Oaks Blvd. Take the first left on Pennsylvania and follow it downhill into the park. 
Parking & Fees: A Sac County Park Pass or $7 entry fee is required for all vehicles.

Barrow’s Goldeneye, Image by Daniel Lee Brown

This area can be very productive. Drive all the way in to the last parking lot and walk upstream, keeping an eye out for warblers; a number of rarieties have been found at this location. As you go upstream look for Northern Rough-winged Swallow. The trail will end at a fence. Look in the trees for Varied Thrush. The trail ends at a fence; go back along the river and look for Common and Barrow's Goldeneyes, and Common Mergansers. Scan the bushes for warblers. Farther down look for Red-breasted Sapsucker. On the return walk, take the upper trail where you may find Downy and Nuttall's Woodpeckers and Yellow-billed Magpies. 

Directions
Address: 9517 Mira Del Rio Dr, Sacramento, CA 95827
From Hwy. 50 exit at Bradshaw Rd. and go north to Folsom Blvd. Go left on Folsom, then right on Butterfield Way, right on Linda Rio Drive and right again on Mira Del Rio Drive, turning left into the signed access for Gristmill Recreation Area.
Parking & Fees: A Sac County Park Pass or $7 entry fee is required for all vehicles.

Song Sparrow, Image by Chris Conard

Should you wish to venture off the American River this month, Cosumnes River Preserver offers a varied habitat. If the ponds are full of water, there will be a variety of duck species. Follow the boardwalk out into the center of the ponds where there is an area to sit and watch the birds come and go. After the ponds take the walk through the wooded area and look for warblers. Watch for Song, Lincoln, and Fox Sparrows. Check the bushes for Wrentit.

Directions
Address: 13501 Franklin Blvd, Galt, CA 95632
To get there, take I-5 South to Twin Cities Road. Turn left. Go to Franklin Blvd. Go right, Drive to the Visitor Center. Parking is on the left.

August and September

Originally published July 28, 2022

Finding birds in the Sacramento area towards the end of summer can be a challenge due in part to the lack of water. For those months SAS often suggests birding in the mountains or on the coast. For more information on mountain and coastal birding read the June and July DIY Field Trip recommendations or check out the Foothills and Sierra Nevada birding locations.

The following suggestions from veteran birder and field trip leader, Maureen Geiger, are a mix of sites that may still produce good, local birding.

Silva Valley Parkway Trail (aka Bucks Creek, aka Serrano Parkway), El Dorado Hills

Hooded Merganser, Image by Ray Rozema

Experience has shown that walks along this Creek are good any time of the year including resident woodpeckers, nuthatches, bluebirds, towhees, wrens, Green Herons, Common Gallinules, plus possible Hooded Mergansers. Walking along the edge of the Creek in this varied habitat there is always a chance for early migrating birds and unusual finds.

Directions
From Sacramento on Hwy. 50 east, take Silva Valley Parkway, Exit #31, drive north on the Parkway to the light at the intersection with Serrano Parkway. Make a U-turn at the light and park immediately on your right.
Google Map

Great Egret, Image by Daniel Lee Brown

Someone asked recently why SAS so often suggests YBWA as a birding hotspot. One reason is because this can be a spectacular place to bird during fall and winter months. Other wildlife areas can say the same but are not as close to Sacramento. Summer is a somewhat different matter when the basin is mostly dry and dusty. However, flood-up of fields for shorebird migration begins in July by which time shorebird migration is well under way.

Directions
Address: 45211 Co Rd 32B, Davis, CA 95618
From Sacramento: on I-80 west, take the first exit at the west end of the Yolo Causeway, East Chiles/Rd. 32A, Exit #78. Turn right at the stop sign, go under the freeway, make a left up onto the levee; then drop down into the Wildlife Area.

Spenceville Wildlife Area

Lewis’s Woodpecker, Image by Ray Rozema

This scenic recreational area of rolling oak woodland, streams, reservoirs and ponds offers a variety of wildlife and is, I think, under-birded. Possible birds include Yellow-breasted Chat, Lewis’s Woodpecker, Rock Wrens, Rufous-crowned Sparrows and more. This is a large and complex area with many sites along the way and makes for a good, long day trip. You can click here to view the interactive map: Lincoln-Spenceville Wildlife Area.

More information on the Spenceville Wildlife Area is available from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Directions
Address: 14936 Spenceville Rd, Penn Valley, CA 95946
In the northeastern part of Sacramento, from the intersection of Interstate 80 and Hwy 65, drive north on Hwy 65 for 33 miles to the town of Wheatland. Turn right on Main St and go east for 0.45 mi. The road bears slightly right and becomes Spenceville Rd. Continue northeasterly on this road for 5.1 miles to where Spenceville Road curves left (north) and Camp Far West Rd is on the right. Turn right. After 2.6 miles, there is a 3-way intersection, where the road bearing right is Blackford Rd. and leads to a bridge over Bear River. Turn LEFT to stay on Camp Far West Rd, and drive 2.0 miles northerly and then east to the intersection where Wichita (paved) Rd is to the left and Camp Far West Rd becomes a dirt/packed gravel road, that has some washboarding (2022). Drive 1.0 mile on the dirt Camp Far West Rd (which has several curves) bearing northeasterly, to a 3-way intersection, with a residential driveway to the right. Turn left to stay on Camp Far West Road and drive north 1.0 mile to where Camp Far West Road turns right. DON’T turn right, but go straight on Long Ravine Road and drive 1.65 mi northerly to a T intersection with Spenceville Road. Turn right on Spenceville Rd and drive easterly for 1.55 mi to Nichols Road, a side road right. Spenceville Wildlife Area is the property to the Southeast--ahead and to the right-- of this intersection. Driving easterly on Spenceville Rd for another 0.45 miles will bring you to a dirt parking lot on the left, also used for Beale Falls Trailhead. Portions of the directions were written from reviewing aerial imagery.

 


University of California, Davis Arboretum

Double-crested Cormorant, Image by Daniel Lee Brown

Closer to home, if you would like a shady, pleasant walk in a lovely, varied landscape, the Arboretum is just the ticket. In addition to often well-marked gardens featuring plants from all over the world, this 3-mle loop is mostly level and shady and due to its proximity to the Putah Creek waterway, it feels cooler than the surrounding areas. Close-up looks at residents such as Wood Ducks, Double-crested Cormorants and Green Herons are rewarding, and in September, early migrants might be found.

Directions
Address: 1046 Garrod Dr, Davis, CA 95616
From Sacramento: on I-80 west, exit at Richards Boulevard/Downtown Davis, Exit #72, bear right, go under the overpass and at the light turn left onto 1st Street; then left onto D Street and into the large parking lot. There are many signs regarding where you can and cannot park, so choose your site carefully. Walk west to the trail into the Arboretum which can be accessed from both sides of the Creek.

Song Sparrow, Image by Chris Conard

Stone Lakes, south of Sacramento, is well designed for families with small children as it offers a wide, level cement trail that loops through the Refuge for easy walking. The year-round water supports marsh birds such as Green Heron, Sora, Belted Kingfisher, Song Sparrow and Common Yellowthroat while in the surrounding ag and fallow fields Swainson’s Hawks, Red-tails, Mourning Doves and Western Meadowlarks can be found. Several small stands of Narrow-leafed Milkweed (Asclepius sp.) have attracted migrating Monarch Butterflies in September.

Directions
Address: 1624 Hood Franklin Rd, Elk Grove, CA 95757
From Sacramento: on I-5 south, two miles south of the Elk Grove exit, take Exit #504 heading west on Hood-Franklin Road and drive .8 of a mile to the NWR entrance on the left. There is a large parking lot and handicapped accessible restrooms. You can read more about the accessibility of this location here.

Snowy Egret, Image by Larry Hickey

This wetland sandwiched between housing on the north and south consists of a paved trail meandering along the Laguna Creek. Mostly sunny, the marshy wetlands are bordered by urban plantings including many oaks. Close looks at Common Gallinules, Cinnamon Teal, Snowy and Great Egrets and Double-crested Cormorants are possible and unexpected species always a possibility. This is a good walk for beginners and is stroller and small child accessible. 

Directions
Address: 9380 Porto Rosa Dr, Elk Grove, CA 95624 (for Jack Hill Park and parking)
From Sacramento: On Hwy. 99 south, exit at Elk Grove Boulevard and head east; pass Elk Grove-Florin Road, and less than a mile later turn left onto Porto Rosa Drive. Follow to Jack Hill Park and the parking area. Restrooms are available in the parking lot.

June and July

As the summer in the Central Valley is a little warm and spring migration is past, it is time to head east for better birding. Or if you don’t want to travel, try some of our local nature areas in early morning when it’s cool! 

Loney Meadows

Williamson’s Sapsucker, Image by Daniel Lee Brown

Loney Meadows is a beautiful mountain meadow north of Grouse Ridge near Bowman Lake at about 6000’ elevation. The area can have some excellent birding. Reports include 8 species of woodpecker (including Pileated, Black-backed and Williamson’s Sapsucker), also Townsend’s Solitaire, Calliope Hummingbird, Willow Flycatcher, 7 species of warbler and some trips have produced Bald Eagles. This area requires a hike of about 2-3 miles over mostly level terrain, however, there is one short, fairly steep incline, and a creek crossing on stepping stones.

Directions
From the U.S. Forest Service: From Interstate 80 west, take Highway 20 approximately 4.5 miles to Bowman Lake Road (USFS Road 18). Turn right and travel approximately 10.5 miles until just after the pavement ends. Turn right where a sign marks the rough, cattle road 0.7 miles away. You will travel through a logged area and veer to the left to the Loney Meadow Parking lot.
Google Map

More information on Loney Meadows can be found at the U.S. Forest Service website.

Common Yellowthroat, Image by Ray Rozema

Mather Lake is a great local birding location, and usually turns up quite a list of bird species. You can expect a nice variety of resident and migrant birds. Possibilities include White-tailed Kites, California Quail, American Bittern, Green Heron and Common Yellowthroat.

Directions
Address: 4111 Old Eagle's Nest Road, Mather, CA 95655
From Highway 50: go south on Zinfandel, Exit #17, about 2-1/2 miles. After crossing Douglas Blvd. take the first left into the park area.
Parking & Fees: A Sac County Park Pass or $7 entry fee is required for all vehicles.

Cooper’s Hawk, Image by Daniel Lee Brown

River Bend Park is nice for a morning walk through the oak woodland to the American River, looking for our summer birds on nests or in cavities, singing and feeding young. Some wildflowers should still be blooming. This is a good spot for beginning birders. Morning is best.

Directions
Address: 2300 Rod Beaudry Dr, Sacramento, CA 95827
From Folsom Blvd, between Bradshaw and Mather Field Road, take Rod Beaudry Drive north into the park.
Parking & Fees: A Sac County Park Pass or $7 entry fee is required for all vehicles.

Indian Grinding Rocks State Park, Amador County

Stellar Jay, Image by Daniel Lee Brown

The birdlife in this area varies depending on the season, but many species are seen year round, including Turkey Vultures, Scrub and Steller’s Jays, California Quail, Acorn and Hairy Woodpeckers, Northern Flickers, Hermit Thrushes, Wild Turkeys (non-native), and California Thrashers. In summer, the bright colors of the Western Tanager, Bullock’s Oriole, Calliope and Anna’s Hummingbirds can be seen in the woods around the meadow. Some light to moderate walking is required.

Directions
The park is northeast of Stockton in the lower foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains.
Address: 14881 Pine Grove Volcano Rd, Pine Grove, CA 95665
Take State Highway 88 East through Jackson to the town of Pine Grove. Take a left turn on Pine Grove-Volcano Road and approximately 1.5 miles later you will arrive at the park. The SECOND turnoff is the main entrance to the day use area while the first turn off is to the campground.
Parking & Fees: $8.00 Day Use Fee or you may use a California State Park Pass.

More information on Indian Grinding Rocks Historic State Park.

Crystal Basin

Black-backed Woodpecker, Image by Daniel Lee Brown

Crystal Basin is a great place for birding in late spring. Flycatchers, MacGillivray’s Warblers, several species of woodpeckers, Mountain Bluebirds and Calliope Hummingbird are all good possibilities. If you are lucky, you can find Mountain Quail with young. Expect to spend a full day birding. Be sure to bring warm clothes as the weather can much chillier in this area.

Directions
From Sacramento, take Highway 50 east to Ice House Road, about 60 miles. Take Ice House Road and explore any areas along the road that have safe parking.
Google Map

For more ideas on birding along Ice House Road, check out the Riverton-Crystal Basin trip in our Birding Locations pages.

Carson Pass and Lake Winnemucca

Gray-crowned Rosy Finch, Image by Daniel Lee Brown

This is a great trip for mid-summer, after the snow has receded (timing varies depending on the previous winter snow levels). This is a high elevation 3-mile hike (8600 feet elevation) in search of Clark’s Nutcracker, Rufous Hummingbird, Green-tailed Towhee, Chipping Sparrow, Dusky Flycatcher, Pine Grosbeak, Cassin’s Finch and, with luck, Sooty Grouse, Black-backed Woodpecker and Gray-crowned Rosy Finch. At peak wildflower time there are fields of flowers in dazzling variety. Be sure to bring plenty of liquids, wear sturdy shoes and be prepared for changeable Sierra weather. This hike should be considered moderate to strenuous depending upon your physical condition.

Directions
Carson Pass is about 90 miles east of Sacramento via Highway 16 and Highway 88. Parking & Fees: Carson Pass is a USFS fee area for day-use parking.

For more information on Carson Pass check out the following websites:

Yuba Pass and Sierra Valley

White-headed Woodpecker, Image by Daniel Lee Brown

Yuba Pass and Sierra Valley are very good in June and early July with nesting and feeding activity and possibly some newly fledged young. At the pass look for Calliope Hummingbird, White-headed Woodpecker, Western Tanager and other montane species. In the valley, look for Sage Thrasher, Brewer’s and Vesper Sparrows and water birds in the marsh such as Wilson’s Snipe, Willets, Bitterns and Sandhill Cranes.

Directions
From Sacramento, it’s approximately 2.5 hours to Yuba Pass. Head east on I-80; take exit 188B at Truckee and turn left (north) on 89; drive 25 miles to the intersection of highways 89 and 49 in Sierraville. Turn left on Hwy 49 and go about 11 miles to Yuba Pass. Follow signage for Yuba Pass campground. After birding the pass area, head back east on Highway 49 to Highway 89, turn north, then after several miles, turn east on Calpine Road, then North on Westside Road, which changes names to Beckwith/Calpine Road. Follow this road North to Marble Hot Springs Road and turn east. This will take you to the marsh area.

For more information on this birding location, check out this birding guide from the Lahontan Audubon Society.

Want to head to the coast, instead? The following links have great information on birding Point Reyes and Bodega Bay.

 

Recommendations provided by Sacramento Audubon Field Trip Leader, Dan Brown.

 

May

Sacramento Audubon is again offering field trips. Visit our Field Trips page for more information on available field trips. If you prefer to head out on your own, our field trip leaders have some great suggestions for where to bird each season. For even more great ideas of where to go birding locally, check out our Birding Locations guide. And whenever you go out birding, be sure to keep the ethics of birding in mind.

Suggested Birding Locations for May

May is a great month for birding, with breeding birds singing and displaying and migrants such as flycatchers and warblers arriving or passing through. Any spot along the American River Parkway should be good, but here are a few specific suggestions.

Pacific-slope Flycatcher, Image by Daniel Lee Brown

Putah Creek Riparian Reserve

West of the main U.C. Davis campus Putah Creek Riparian Reserve provides access to a wonderful riparian habitat. Follow the trail along the creek looking for migrating warblers and flycatchers. Head back along the gravel road checking the fields for Western Flycatchers and Swainson’s Hawk. Swallows, Orioles, and Yellow-billed Magpie are just a few of the nesters found at this location.

Directions: Take Highway 113 north from Interstate 80 (about 14.5 miles west of Sacramento). Exit on Hutchinson Drive after 1.2 miles. Turn left, and go 1.3 miles on Hutchinson Drive before turning left on Hopkins Road. At the end of Hopkins Road in one mile, head left and park at the picnic grounds. Walk under the bridge and continue downstream where many migrants and rarities have been found.

-Excerpted from Davis City Limits by Chris Conard

Bald Eagle, Image by Larry Hickey

Falcon Crest, Folsom Lake Area

Adjacent to Folsom Lake, Falcon Crest sits on a peninsula on the south side of Folsom Lake and consists of pine and oak woodlands, grasslands and extensive lake floodplains. The trails are mostly single lane, easy to moderate with a few inclines.

On your walk look for migrating warbles. Yellow, Hooded, Townsend’s and Wilson’s Warblers are all possibilities. Keep an eye and ear out for newly arrived summer residents, such as Lazuli Bunting, Black-headed Grosbeak, Bullock’s and Hooded Oriole, Western Wood-Pewee, Ash-throated Flycatcher, and Western Kingbird. A resident pair of nesting Bald Eagles are often spotted from the trail. Wildflowers are also abundant this spring: globe lily, blue-eyed grass, blue dick, golden brodiaea, shooting star, johnny tuck, several species of lupines, Douglas iris, and buttercup.

Directions: From Sacramento take highway 50 eastbound towards Placerville. Take exit #30B (El Dorado Hills Blvd). Go under the overpass and continue northbound on El Dorado Hills Blvd for 4.2 miles to Green Valley Road (El Dorado Hills Blvd becomes Salmon Falls Road). Continue on Salmon Falls Road for 3 miles to a large gravel parking lot on the left, with a large wooden sign reading “Falcon Crest.” Use caution when crossing oncoming traffic. Parking is free at this time (May 2021) in the gravel parking lot, but there is also a ($10 fee) paved parking area with a porta-potty down the single lane road to the right of the gravel parking lot.

For more information on specific trails, visit MyFolsom.com.

- Excerpted from Falcon Crest, Folsom Lake Area written by Craig DeMartini.

Townsend’s Warbler, Image by Daniel Lee Brown

Lower Sunrise Area

The Lower Sunrise area is on the south side of the American River, and runs from the Sunrise Boulevard bridge downstream to the picnic area of Ambassador Park. Low bluffs overlook the river, their banks covered with blackberry, coyote bush, willow, and poison oak.

Colonies of Acorn Woodpeckers can be seen as well as Nuttall’s Woodpeckers and an occasional Downy Woodpecker. Oak Titmouse, Bushtits nest in the trees. Tree Swallows have been joined by their migrant cousins. Bewick’s Wrens, Spotted Towhees, and California Towhees are year-round residents and are joined by House Wrens in spring. Migrating songbirds such as Townsend’s Warblers, Hermit Warblers, Nashville Warblers, Wilson’s Warblers, Bullock’s Orioles, and Black-headed Grosbeak may be spotted. Look for Black Phoebes and Belted Kingfishers foraging along the river’s edge.

Directions: From downtown Sacramento, take Highway 50 east for 14 miles from Interstate 5, exit at Sunrise Boulevard, and go north for 1.5 miles. Just before the approach to the Sunrise Avenue bridge over the American River, follow the sign indicating river access to the right and continue to the entry station. About 75 feet past the entry station, the road forks. Turn left and follow the road back under the Sunrise bridge and proceed to the parking area. Lower Sunrise can also be entered from Ambassador Park. From Highway 50, take Sunrise Boulevard north for 0.8 mile and turn left on Coloma Road. Travel 0.9 mile to El Manto Drive and turn right. Continue 0.2 mile to Ambassador Drive. Turn right and drive 0.25 mi to the parking lot of Ambassador Park on the left. The entrance fee is currently $7 per vehicle (or a $60 annual pass).

- Excerpted from Lower Sunrise Area by Barbara Mohr

Bell’s Sparrow, Image by Daniel Lee Brown

Sand Creek Road

The area traversed by Sand Creek Road is a classic California landscape in remote Colusa County. You’ll pass through a mix of habitats, including a broad open valley, oak woodlands, and chaparral. After 11 miles, you’ll come to an overlook with a wonderful panorama of the Central Valley, the Sutter Buttes, the Capay Valley, the Coast Range, and, on a clear day, the Sierra Nevada.

This is the best site locally for Greater Roadrunners and among the best for Lawrence’s Goldfinches. California Thrashers and Bell’s Sparrows are commonly heard and often seen in spring, and Black-chinned Sparrows are possible. Mountain Quail call in the spring.

Directions: From Sacramento, take Interstate 5 (47 miles north of Highway 50) to the Arbuckle/College City exit (exit 566). Turn left on Hillgate Road and go 4.8 miles to a 90 degree bend to the right. Go north from the bend for 0.4 mile to Sand Creek Road and turn left (the sign may be missing). Pavement ends after 3.6 miles, and it becomes a good quality gravel road, suitable for a passenger car as far as the Yolo County line (11 miles) unless there have been recent heavy rains.

- Excerpted from Sand Creek Road by Chris Conard

Birding Ethics

The Sacramento Audubon Society is dedicated to the protection of birds and their natural habitats. Let’s ensure that our enjoyment of those spaces doesn’t negatively impact their existence or their inhabitants.

The American Birding Association has established a Code of Ethics to help us all “practice and promote respectful, enjoyable, thoughtful birding.”

Here are a few highlights of this Code of Ethics. Please honor these important safeguards.

  • Minimize habitat disturbance by staying on trails.

  • Avoid getting too close to birds, especially those that are nesting.

  • Limit the use of recordings and other audio methods of attracting birds, particularly in heavily birded areas.

  • Always bird and report with honesty and integrity.

  • Never enter private property without the landowner’s permission.

  • Keep cats and other domestic animals indoors or controlled.

In addition to ethics while birding, please consider the well-being of birds while taking photographs. National Audubon Society has a Guide to Ethical Bird Photography.