The campus and adjacent 1.3-mile section of the American River Parkway from the Guy West footbridge east to about a half-mile past the Howe Avenue bridge are typical examples of disturbed, “modern”, streamside woodlands. The campus has large expanses of well-cared-for lawn with many hedges, planters, mature introduced trees and, near the northwest corner of the campus, a large arboretum. The parkway has few remaining large cottonwoods and willows, but there are many small willows and tangled berry vines and open savannah populated by introduced annual grasses, as well as native annuals and perennials. Note: Vegetation removal work (2023-24) by the Army Corps of Engineers removed many of these plants in this area, especially on the lower slopes of the riverbanks.
Belted Kingfisher, Image by Ray Rozema
Birding the site: In winter, look for Dark-eyed Junco, crowned sparrows, Yellow-rumped and Orange-crowned Warbler, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Cedar Waxwing, Red-breasted Sapsucker, Northern Flicker, Downy Woodpecker, and Hermit Thrush in all areas. An American Redstart was found as a winter vagrant in the eucalyptus trees along the west margin of the campus. Irruptive species such as Purple Finch, Evening Grosbeak, Pine Siskin and Varied Thrush can be present, but are not seen annually. Belted Kingfisher, California and Spotted Towhees, Fox and Lincoln Sparrows, Black Phoebe and Bewick’s Wren are among the species typically found on the parkway. Just downstream from the campus and the J Street bridge is a large gravel bar frequented by California Gull and other species that fly up and down the river. Pied-billed Grebe, Common Goldeneye and Common Merganser are seen on the river.
In spring, look for migrants such as Townsend’s, Hermit, Black-throated Gray, MacGillivray’s, Nashville, Wilson’s and Yellow Warblers, Warbling and Cassin’s Vireos, Western Kingbird, Western Wood-Pewee, Western Tanager, Black-chinned and Rufous Hummingbirds, and Black-headed Grosbeak throughout the area. Watch for Cliff and Barn Swallows near the Howe Avenue bridge in spring and summer.
The year-round residents include Red-shouldered Hawk, White-throated Swift, American Kestrel, White-tailed Kite, Green Heron, California Quail, Western Screech-Owl, Great Horned Owl, Anna’s Hummingbird, Nuttall’s Woodpecker, Yellow-billed Magpie and Oak Titmouse. eBird Sightings
Directions: From downtown Sacramento, take Highway 50 east for 5.3 miles from Interstate 5 and exit at Howe Avenue. Stay right at the first ramp and follow the signs to California State University, Sacramento (variously signed as “CSUS” and “Sacramento State”). Turn left at the light onto College Town Drive, then right onto State University Drive.
After you turn on State University Drive, there are several parking lots along the way to Guy West Bridge. These require parking permits that can be purchased at permit machines located in these lots. On the CSU website (Visitor Information | Sacramento State) under “Campus Map”, you can obtain a campus parking map, costs, and real-time information on parking lot space availability.
Mike Lippsmeyer