We are fortunate to live within a few hours of some of the best winter waterfowl and crane viewing in California and November/ December are great months to get out and enjoy it. Veteran birders Tim Fitzer and Ann Burris offer the following recommendations for places to visit this month. Don’t forget to take warm clothes, something warm to drink, your binoculars and a spotting scope, if you have one.
Cosumnes River Preserve
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 Cosumnes River Preserve Website for trail information and location directions.
Northern Pintail, Image by Larry Hickey
Colusa National Wildlife Refuge
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. Driving directions and maps can be found here.
Ross’s Goose, Image by Ray Rozema
Gray Lodge State Wildlife Refuge
This refuge is a prime wintering area for migrating ducks and geese with both walking trails and an auto route. There is a $4.25 per person charge at Gray Lodge; so it’s wise to bring the exact amount for the Iron Ranger. At the California Department of Fish and Wildlife website, you’ll find driving directions, maps of the wildlife viewing area, a handy bird checklist and more.
Northern Shoveler, Image by Daniel Brown
Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge
This a great refuge for viewing the enormous flocks of ducks, geese and swans that winter in the valley or stop to feed on their way south. This is also a good place for raptors; and Bald Eagles and Peregrine Falcons are a possibility. There are walking trails and a 3.7 mile driving route with a couple of great viewing platforms as well. Please note there is a $6 day use fee for each vehicle at the refuge, or buy a Duck Stamp and support all our national refuges. Driving directions and map of the area and other information can be found at the Sacrament NWR website.
Bufflehead, Image by Ray Rozema
Woodbridge Ecological Reserve (aka Isenberg Crane Reserve)
This Reserve is considered by many as "The Place to see Cranes”. A popular site to watch flyouts and flyins. Ducks, geese and other winter birds can be viewed here too. A CDFW Lands Pass must be in the possession of each visitor who is 16 years of age or older, however, visitors who are in possession of a valid California hunting or fishing license in their name are exempt from this requirement. Lands Passes may be purchased on-line, by phone at (800) 565-1458, or in-person at locations wherever hunting and fishing licenses are sold. Driving directions and maps of the area and other information can be found here.
Sandhill Crane, Image by Daniel Brown
Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area
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. For directions and map of the area visit the California Department of Fish and Wildlife website.
Ring-necked Duck, Image by Daniel Brown