March to April brings the magic of spring with its riot of color and movement. California Audubon estimates the Spring Migration brings more than a billion birds back into California. Some of these passerines are passing through to other breeding grounds. Others delight us with their songs as they mark their territory and build their nests. 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 recommended birding sites.
Deer Creek, El Dorado Co.
Downy Woodpecker, Image by Chris Conard
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.
Effie Yeaw Nature Center, Ancil Hoffman Park, Carmichael
Wild Turkey, Image by Daniel Brown
This 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. For directions see sacnaturecenter.net. A Sac County Park Pass or $5 parking fee is required.
Shollenberger Park, Petaluma
Green-winged Teal, Image by Daniel Brown
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 a full list of species and directions go to Shollenberger Park, Petaluma. (At colintalcroft.com adjacent birding areas are also listed.)
William Pond Park
Red-shouldered Hawk, Image by Craig Swolgaard
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. From the intersection of Fair Oaks and Arden, follow Arden east, just under 1 mile, and it runs into the park. A Sac County Park Pass or $5 entry fee is required for all vehicles.
-Carla Barbaro