The treatment ponds have a fine history of attracting good shorebirds, gulls, and waterfowl. The peak season for finding rare shorebirds is from July through September, depending on water levels. Good numbers of shorebirds and gulls can be found in the winter, and spring migration (April and early May) can be productive as well. A scope is very helpful.
The species list is similar to that found at the Davis Wetlands, though Pacific Golden-Plovers (fall, winter) are more regular here. Semipalmated Sandpipers (July, August), and Baird’s Sandpipers (August, September) are present every year in very low numbers. Rarities have included American Golden-Plover, Red Knot, and Sanderling. Look for Black Terns in the first week of May. eBird Sightings
Semipalmated Sandpiper, Image by Daniel Lee Brown
Note: The plant is only open Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. It is closed on weekends and holidays. Park at the “birder parking area” and sign in. There is access information on the inside lid of the sign-in box. Do not go to the plant office or bird from the paved road. Access here was carefully arranged by Yolo Audubon, so please be respectful of the plant’s rules and staff.
Directions: From Sacramento, take Interstate 5 northeast (17.4 miles north from Highway 50) to the Road 102 exit in Woodland. Head left, over the freeway, for 0.9 mile and turn left into the treatment plant entrance at Road 24, opposite Gibson Road. Birder parking is on the right in 0.5 mile. Sign in and walk around the treatment ponds. At times, the closest ponds have the best conditions, while at others you will need to walk up to a half-mile to find the ponds with the best conditions and concentration of shorebirds.
From Davis, take the Mace Boulevard exit from Interstate 80 (ten miles west of Sacramento). Head north on Mace Boulevard (which will become East Covell Boulevard), and turn right on Pole Line Road after 2.7 miles. Continue for 6.9 miles (Pole Line Road becomes Road 102) to Road 24 (opposite Gibson Road) and the plant entrance, and turn right (see above).
Chris Conard