This evolving wetland consists of 400 acres of ponds and upland habitat of varying depths and is a continuation of Davis’s storm water and wastewater treatment process.
Birding the site: In general, the wetlands produce shorebirds, waterfowl, Northern Harriers, Marsh Wrens, Common Gallinules, and a variety of swallows. Yellow-headed Blackbirds have bred on Tracts 6 and 7. Presence and variety of birds depends on water depth and season.
The Wetlands are divided into the larger Stormwater and Wastewater Lagoons and seven smaller tracts. When water levels are low in Wastewater Lagoon, check the exposed spits of land for American White Pelicans, Double-crested Cormorants, White-faced Ibis, and gulls and terns, including occasional Bonaparte’s Gulls. Clark’s Grebes, Western Grebes, Eared Grebes, American Avocets, Black-necked Stilts, diving ducks, including occasional Redheads, are also found in this lagoon. Cinnamon Teal occur in large numbers, and Ruddy Ducks and Gadwalls are present year round. Green-winged and occasional Blue-winged Teal can be found except during mid-summer months.
Bonaparte’s Gull is occasionally found at the City of Davis Wetlands. Image by Daniel Lee Brown
Numbers and intensity of birds on Stormwater Lagoon varies depending on the amount of water present. As this water evaporates in the summer months, large numbers of migrating shorebirds such as Long-billed Dowitchers and both Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs can be found. Peregrine Falcons may be attracted by the shorebird activity. In winter, waterfowl abound.
On leaving the Wastewater Treatment Plant or the Davis Wetlands, checking the ditch and fence along Road 28H may produce Burrowing Owls; also check the ponds north of the road which may harbor large numbers of ducks and shorebirds. eBird Sightings
Directions: Follow the directions to reach the Davis Wastewater Treatment Plant and continue east past the Control Plant building.
From the intersection of Interstate 5 and Hwy 50 in Sacramento, drive west on Hwy 50 for 3.4 miles to where Interstate 80 merges with Hwy 50. Continue west on Interstate 80 for about 4.0 miles across the Yolo Causeway and exit at East Chiles Road/Road 32A (exit 78). At the stop sign, turn left. In 1.9 miles, veer right, cross the railroad tracks, and go north (the road becomes Road 105) until it dead ends at Road 28H. Turn right onto Road 28H, the levee road which leads to the Control Plant building. Stop at the access gate and sign in at the wooden kiosk to the left of the gate. The gate is kept closed by a bungee cord; be sure to close this behind you, and sign out when you leave. Vehicles must remain on the tour loop, but pedestrians are welcome to walk the other roads in the wetlands.
Tours are generally offered by the Yolo Basin Foundation on the first Saturday of the month.
The Wetlands are only open to the public during limited times during the year. From February 15th through August 31st, the wetlands are open seven days/week from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. From September 1st through February 15th, the wetlands are open Mondays only from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. For updated access information to the wetlands, check the City of Davis website.
Maureen Geiger and Joan Humphrey