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.