Although most of the area south of William Land Park has been taken over as a residential area, the birding is surprisingly good in the few remaining natural spots. Probably the best is the “panhandle” along Riverside Boulevard between 11th and 13th Avenues.
Red-naped Sapsucker, Image by Daniel Lee Brown
Birding the site: Large conifers and berry-laden shrubs and trees attract winter flocks of American Robin, Cedar Waxwing, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Dark-eyed Junco, and American Goldfinch. Red-breasted Sapsucker is usually present and Red-naped and Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers have been seen in the area. Hutton’s Vireo can usually be found in the evergreen oaks. This is as good a place as any in Sacramento to look for wintering Varied Thrush (under the redwoods), Red-breasted Nuthatch, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Townsend’s Warbler, Purple Finch and Pine Siskin. eBird Sightings
Directions: From downtown Sacramento, take Interstate 5 for 2.0 miles south of Highway 50 and exit at Sutterville Road and turn left. After crossing the overpass, go right at the sign for Riverside Boulevard which then circles around to head north to William Land Park.
William Land Park is the first stop in the Sacramento Urban Birding Tour. This tour begins in William Land Park and continues south, including Reichmuth Park, Greenhaven Lake, Garcia Bend Park and Marriott Park, and Chorley Park. Find directions from park to park and read the complete tour guide here.