Staten Island is an excellent site for viewing large numbers of Sandhill Cranes, geese, Tundra Swans, other waterfowl, and shorebirds.
Woodbridge Wilderness Area (formerly Woodbridge Regional Park)
During summer months, you may find Swainson's Hawk, Western Wood Pewee, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Black-headed Grosbeak, Lazuli Bunting and Bullock's Oriole. Birding this area in winter may turn up Red-breasted Sapsucker, Hutton's Vireo, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Brown Creeper, Pacific Wren, and GoldenÂ-crowned Kinglet.
Lodi Lake
Lodi Lake Park is truly one of the premier birding areas in San Joaquin County. This reputation is well deserved as over 200 species (over 50% of the county's total bird list) have been observed within the boundaries of this 125-acre jewel along the Mokelumne River in north Lodi.
Lake Solano Park
This magnet for birds on the Solano-Yolo County line is formed by a small diversion dam on Putah Creek several miles east of Lake Berryessa and the Vaca Mountains, the easternmost ridge of the North Coast Ranges. For the best birding, visit the area early in the morning; fall and winter are most productive, due to the arrival of winter visitors.
Robinson Road to Birds Landing
Ferruginous Hawks, Rough-legged Hawks, Northern Harriers, White-tailed Kites and Red-tailed Hawks are quite reliable during the winter, although numbers vary year to year. Bald and Golden Eagles are occasionally found especially around the large power lines also frequented by Prairie Falcons.
Lagoon Valley Park
This park just off of Interstate 80 in Vacaville contains nearly 500 acres. It provides excellent opportunities to find water birds and land birds. The reservoir is always worth checking, and it once produced a Long-tailed Jaeger. The trees can be very good for migrants, and a Northern Waterthrush was found here.
New York Creek
This destination is a narrow hiking trail bordered closely by dense streamside habitat and containing a wide variety of riparian species year-round.
Sivla Valley Parkway
Although just one mile each way, this riparian habitat supports a wide variety of species. Most of the trail runs between Bucks Creek and the Silva Valley Parkway.
Cronan Ranch Regional Trails Park
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) manages Cronan Ranch, originally a working cattle ranch of approximately 1,452 acres. This beautiful area contains 12 miles of dirt roads and trails ambling through a variety of terrain from oak woodland and rolling hills to shaded, riparian river access.
Greenwood Creek River Access
This is a particularly good place to look for nesting raptors such as Great Horned Owls, American Kestrels, Red-shouldered Hawks, and White-tailed Kites. Within the unit, several excellent trails follow the South Fork of the American River and meander through shady oak woodland and occasionally, open rolling grasslands.
Dave Moore Nature Area
This nature area features a loop trail about a mile long which goes from the parking lot to the South Fork of the American River and back to the parking area. It is fairly level with little elevation change and is thus excellent for children.
Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park
This is one of four excellent birding locations in and near Coloma: the Cronan Ranch Regional Trails Park, the Greenwood Creek River Access, the Dave Moore Nature Area, and the Marshall Gold Discovery Historic State Park.
Auburn State Recreation Area
The striking canyons of the North and Middle Forks of the American River provide a backdrop to several good birding and hiking areas just outside of Auburn including Quarry Ridge, the Olmstead Loop Trail, the Stagecoach Trail, Lake Clementine, and Driver’s Flat.
Mosquito Ridge Road
Mosquito Ridge Road was severely impacted during the 2022 Mosquito Fire and sustained additional damage during the record winter storms that followed. The road was reopened in May 2024, but please be aware of the inherent risks of traveling on forest roads and through post-fire areas.
Fleming Meadow Trail
Unfortunately, this area was burned in the Caldor fire in Aug-Sept 2021. The area is no longer closed to the public, but is still undergoing temporary closures and repairs.
The Riverton-Crystal Basin Area
This 30 mile driving trip takes you through one of the best montane birding areas within easy driving distance of Sacramento. The area ranges in elevation from approximately 3,500 feet to over 6,000 feet and offers a number of varied habitats for many species of birds.
Sierra Discovery Trail
Located at 5,000 feet near Emigrant Pass, Sierra Discovery Trail is a one mile partially paved loop trail meandering through an old growth conifer forest. Bear River also runs adjacent to the trail providing an opportunity to see an American Dipper.
North Laguna Creek Wildlife Area
The North Laguna Creek Wildlife Area offers another wonderful opportunity for viewing a wide variety of birds along Laguna Creek. On-street parking is available; but no handicapped spaces exist at this time. Most of the trails are paved and accessible.