The University of California, Davis Arboretum in addition to other large trees on the U.C. campus, has produced excellent rarities (notably Scissor-tailed Flycatcher and Red Crossbills) and often provides good birding. There are nice remnant oaks on the highly altered remains of the Putah Creek channel that runs through campus, in addition to plants representing many different regions. Conifers on campus often harbor Red-breasted Nuthatches (fall through early spring). Chestnut-backed Chickadees (winter) are sometimes found in the pines and oaks along the arboretum trails. There has been a rookery of Black-crowned Night-Herons, Snowy Egrets, and Cattle Egrets at the western portion of the arboretum. The arboretum setting is very nice, but is somewhat marred by the loud roar of traffic.
This is also an Accessible Birding Location. To learn more about the accessibility of this location visit our Accessible Birding page. eBird Sightings
Chestnut-backed Chickadee, Image by Daniel Lee Brown
Directions: From Interstate 80, about 14 miles west of Sacramento, take the U.C. Davis exit (exit 71) and turn right. It currently costs $6 to park in the lots along Old Davis Road and elsewhere on campus. From Old Davis Road, walk north to the trails that parallel the old creek channel. You may be able to find parking along the street at the western end of the arboretum. From Old Davis Road, turn left at California Avenue, and left at La Rue Road. After 0.4 mile, turn left on Garrod Drive and park near the gazebo.
Chris Conard