New York Creek runs from the Salmon Falls area of eastern Folsom Lake along Salmon Falls Road, and then roughly parallels El Dorado Hills Boulevard for several miles. The destination is a narrow hiking trail bordered closely by dense streamside habitat and containing a wide variety of riparian species year-round. From the bridge at Francisco Drive, follow the dirt trail that parallels the creek for 1.2 miles to St Andrews Drive. The trail does continue south but changes from being adjacent riparian habitat to recreational field facilities.

Birding the site: From the parking lot, cross the small bridge over the creek and turn right onto the trail. Year-round, watch and listen for Cooper’s Hawk, Red-shouldered Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Anna’s Hummingbird, Acorn Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Oak Titmouse, flocks of Bushtit, Northern House Wren, Hermit Thrush, Spotted Towhee and California Towhee. Western Bluebirds may be seen in the open field above the trail about half-way to St. Andrews Place. Coyotes and deer are fairly common along this trail.

In winter, watch for Sharp-shinned Hawks, White-breasted Nuthatch, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, occasional Varied Thrush, Hutton’s Vireo, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Fox Sparrow, Lincoln’s Sparrow, Golden-crowned and White-crowned Sparrows. eBird Sightings

Directions: From Sacramento, take Highway 50 (29 miles east from Interstate 5) to the El Dorado Hills Boulevard exit (exit 30B); turn right and drive north on El Dorado Hills Boulevard for approximately four miles to Francisco Drive. Turn right onto Francisco Drive, and in 0.2 mi, there are parking spaces on the left just before the road is (sometimes) blocked by a yellow pipe gate.

Maureen Geiger