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

Hudsonian Whimbrel

Numenius hudsonicus

5/29/2026Folsom Lake SRA--Beals Pt.1 observed

Common Goldeneye

Bucephala clangula

5/28/2026American River Parkway--Sailor Bar - fish pond area1 observed

Gray Catbird

Dumetella carolinensis

5/27/20264809 Chicago Ave, Fair Oaks US-CA 38.65342, -121.255761 observed

Yellow-breasted Chat

Icteria virens

5/27/2026Arden-Arcade US-CA 38.59151, -121.390301 observed

Black Swift

Cypseloides niger

5/26/2026Andover Court1 observed

Grasshopper Sparrow

Ammodramus savannarum

5/26/2026Meiss Rd.2 observed

Western Cattle-Egret

Ardea ibis

5/25/2026S Brewer Rd (Baseline to E Catlett)3 observed

Horned Grebe

Podiceps auritus

5/25/2026Folsom Lake SRA--Beals Pt.1 observed

Willow Flycatcher

Empidonax traillii

5/24/2026Veteran's Memorial Park (PLA Co.)2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

105/29/2026

Mallard

65/29/2026

Mourning Dove

35/29/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

45/29/2026

Common Gallinule

15/29/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

75/29/2026

Green Heron

15/29/2026

Great Egret

25/29/2026

Turkey Vulture

65/29/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

15/29/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

15/29/2026

Belted Kingfisher

25/29/2026

Acorn Woodpecker

15/29/2026

Downy Woodpecker

15/29/2026

Nuttall's Woodpecker

25/29/2026

Black Phoebe

15/29/2026

California Scrub-Jay

25/29/2026

Yellow-billed Magpie

205/29/2026

American Crow

25/29/2026

Common Raven

15/29/2026

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.