Lake birding habitat

American River Parkway - William B Pond Rec Area

California · Southwest

Habitat
LakeRiver/Riparian
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

American River Parkway - William B Pond Rec Area is a productive birding destination in California, with 224 species recorded on eBird. This lake and river/riparian habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and Common Goldeneye among many others. The unique desert and riparian habitats support specialty species alongside wintering and migrating birds.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Franklin's Gull

Leucophaeus pipixcan

7/17/2026Folsom Lake SRA--Beals Pt.1 observed

Western Wood-Pewee

Contopus sordidulus

7/17/2026Mooney Ridge Service Roads, Granite Bay US-CA 38.73797, -121.155221 observed

Rock Pigeon

Columba livia

7/17/2026McKinley Park3 observed

Common Loon

Gavia immer

7/16/2026Folsom Lake SRA--Beals Pt.1 observed

Marbled Godwit

Limosa fedoa

7/16/2026Folsom Lake SRA--Beals Pt.25 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

207/12/2026

Mallard

7/12/2026

California Quail

27/12/2026

Mourning Dove

67/12/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

17/12/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

57/12/2026

Green Heron

17/12/2026

Great Blue Heron

17/12/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

27/12/2026

Acorn Woodpecker

47/12/2026

Nuttall's Woodpecker

17/12/2026

Black Phoebe

47/12/2026

Ash-throated Flycatcher

27/12/2026

California Scrub-Jay

157/12/2026

Tree Swallow

17/12/2026

Barn Swallow

47/12/2026

Western Bluebird

67/12/2026

American Robin

17/12/2026

Song Sparrow

27/12/2026

California Towhee

37/12/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.

  2. 2

    Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.

  3. 3

    Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit American River Parkway - William B Pond Rec Area for birding?
The best months to visit American River Parkway - William B Pond Rec Area for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at American River Parkway - William B Pond Rec Area?
Notable species at American River Parkway - William B Pond Rec Area include Canada Goose, Mallard, Common Goldeneye, Common Merganser, California Quail. The area supports lake, river/riparian habitats.
How difficult is birding at American River Parkway - William B Pond Rec Area?
Birding at American River Parkway - William B Pond Rec Area is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at American River Parkway - William B Pond Rec Area?
American River Parkway - William B Pond Rec Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails.