The Upper Sunrise area goes from the east side of the Sunrise Avenue bridge upstream to the base of Nimbus Dam. The habitat is similar to Lower Sunrise, but the land rises slightly higher above the river. Shortly below the fish hatchery, one can see toyon and gray pines scattered among the oaks. This is one of the best inland sites in the state for Barrow’s Goldeneye and gull watching.

Birding the site: In the spring, California poppies, styrax with its clusters of white blossoms, and California buckeye put on a colorful display. Bush monkey flower is fairly abundant in the open areas, and Anna’s Hummingbirds can be seen sipping nectar from its orange-colored blossoms. Migrating Rufous Hummingbirds and Black-chinned Hummingbirds (spring and summer residents) may also be spotted. 

White-throated Swifts can be seen year-round, and in the spring they are seen flying to and from their nests in the drain holes under the Hazel Avenue bridge. Spring also brings Cliff Swallows who build their bottle-shaped mud nests on the side of the bridge. Northern Rough-winged Swallows and an occasional Barn Swallow can be seen also. Tree Swallows are seen year-round, but are more numerous in the spring. Forster’s Terns and an occasional Caspian Tern cruise up and down the river as well as Double-crested Cormorants. Green Heron (often seen inside the hatchery enclosures), Great Egret, Snowy Egret, and Great Blue Heron can be seen along the rocky shore across the river. The riparian area along the river is home to Red-shouldered Hawk, occasional Cooper’s Hawk, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, and Great Horned Owl. Black Phoebe and Belted Kingfisher forage along the water’s edge. Spotted Sandpiper is often seen on the rocky shore of the river. Bewick’s Wren, Spotted Towhee, California Towhee, Oak Titmouse, and Bushtit can be seen year-round, and from fall through spring they are joined by both White-crowned and Golden-crowned Sparrows, Dark-eyed Junco, and Ruby-crowned Kinglet. Western Bluebird, Lesser Goldfinch, and American Goldfinch can be seen in the more open areas. In the fall and winter, one may see a Phainopepla perched on top of an oak tree or foraging in a cluster of mistletoe.

The main Chinook salmon run begins in October, and hundreds of gulls as well as large numbers of Turkey Vultures arrive to feed on the dying fish. This winter feast may bring in an occasional Bald Eagle. Ospreys are also often seen in winter. Flocks of Common Goldeneye and Common Merganser often have a Barrow’s Goldeneye, and occasionally, a Red-breasted Merganser among them. In 2021 - 2022 a Long-tailed Duck spent the winter among the Goldeneye.

The bluffs by the hatchery offer an excellent viewing place to watch the gulls and ducks, and a careful search through the flocks of American Herring Gulls, Ring-billed Gulls, and California Gulls may reveal some less common species such as Glaucous-winged Gull, Thayer’s Gull, Short-billed Gull, and, irregularly, Western Gull. Glaucous Gulls have been found at this site, and other rarities are always possible.

From the hatchery parking area, you can walk past the fish ladder where informal trails follow the riverbank and eventually connect to the bike trail which leads to the Sunrise Access parking lots and beyond.

eBird Sightings - Upper Sunrise, Fish Hatchery

Directions: From downtown Sacramento, take Highway 50 east for 17.5 miles from Interstate 5, and exit at Hazel Avenue. For the upper end: go north on Hazel Avenue. Just before the bridge over the river, there is a traffic light at Gold Country Boulevard. Turn left and make a quick right into the entrance of the Nimbus Fish Hatchery (watch for bikes on the entrance road). There is no parking fee here, though it may be full on weekends. The hatchery has restrooms in the visitor center. Although you can stay later, the entrance to the parking lot is gated (closed) at 3 pm daily. For the lower end: follow the directions for the Lower Sunrise Area. Go past the entry station to where the road forks, and turn right. Follow the road to the parking area by the old Fair Oaks Bridge. You can walk the approximately 2.5 miles along the bike trail to the hatchery. The entrance fee is currently $7 per vehicle (or a $70 annual pass).

Barbara Mohr