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.