This Global-Priority Level Important Bird Area contains more than 25,000 acres and is just minutes from downtown Sacramento. Both seasonal and permanent wetlands are present as well as riparian woodland and valley grassland, providing habitat for a large variety of birds. Seasonal flooding provides key habitat for countless waterfowl migrating along the Pacific Flyway, one of four major migratory routes in the United States.
The wildlife area is open to the public when the bypass is not flooded. General hours are sunrise to sunset, with the wildlife area closed on Christmas Day. The entrance gate may be closed on holidays if staff are unavailable. During hunting season (September-February), auto and pedestrian access is limited to the auto tour loop. Additional areas are open to autos and pedestrians the rest of the year. You may park along the gravel roads as well as in designated parking areas. A number of foot trails are available from various parking lots. The headquarters, which features exhibits of local birds, is located on Chiles Road (parallel to and south of Interstate 80) west of the entrance to the wildlife area.
American Bittern, Image by Craig Swolgaard
Birding the site: Shorebirds and waterfowl are often present in large numbers from fall through spring, depending on water levels. Occasional Tricolored Blackbirds and Yellow-headed Blackbirds are seen from spring through fall. Raptors abound, including nesting Swainson’s Hawks and Northern Harriers. American Bitterns, Soras, and Virginia Rails can sometimes be found. River otters are present in the canals and ponds year-round.
Cinnamon Teal are common, and Ruddy Ducks and Gadwalls are present year-round. Green-winged Teal and occasional Blue-winged Teal can be found except during mid-summer months. When the bypass is flooded, diving ducks can be present in large numbers. At times, thousands of Canvasbacks, Ring-necked Ducks, and Lesser Scaup can be seen; when the causeway is flooded, these birds can be scoped from the levee at the entrance gate. This is the most reliable site in the Sacramento area to find Greater Scaup. American White Pelicans utilize the deeper ponds for feeding. Large flocks of Greater Yellowlegs often contain Lesser Yellowlegs. These and large dowitcher flocks may contain an occasional Ruff, and shorebird concentrations can attract a Peregrine Falcon or Merlin. Rarities are possible, with Glossy Ibis, Curlew Sandpiper, Sharp-tailed Sandpiper, and American Tree Sparrow seen in past years.
In summer, southern migration results in large numbers of swallows, including Tree, Cliff, Barn, and occasional Bank. Horned Larks breed here and Savannah Sparrows were noted as breeding in 2016. Common Yellowthroats and Marsh Wrens are numerous. White-faced Ibis, occasionally numbering in the thousands, may be found flying into and over the area to roost at night and to feed in the surrounding fields during the day. eBird Sightings
You can read more about the accessible features of this locations on our Accessible Birding page.
Directions: From the intersection of Interstate 5 and Hwy 50 in Sacramento, drive west on Hwy 50 for 3.4 miles to where Interstate 80 merges with Hwy 50. Continue west on Interstate 80 for about 4.0 miles across the Yolo Causeway and exit at East Chiles Road/Road 32A (exit 78). Turn right at the stop sign and follow the road as it curves to the right and heads south, passing under the freeway. Shortly after, turn left, drive up onto the levee, then drop down into the wildlife area. The auto loop is posted along its route.
See updated maps & information on the Yolo Basin Foundation website.
Maureen Geiger