Wetland birding habitat

Babel Slough

California · Southwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Babel Slough is a productive birding destination in California, with 219 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Mourning Dove, Turkey Vulture, and Red-tailed Hawk 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

American Pipit

Anthus rubescens

5/29/2026Cosumnes River Preserve1 observed

Dark-eyed Junco

Junco hyemalis

5/29/2026Cosumnes River Preserve1 observed

Yellow-breasted Chat

Icteria virens

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

Western Sandpiper

Calidris mauri

5/27/2026Woodland WTP1 observed

Black Swift

Cypseloides niger

5/26/2026Andover Court1 observed

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

5/23/2026North Natomas Regional Park1 observed

Costa's Hummingbird

Calypte costae

5/23/2026Rosado1 observed

Hammond's Flycatcher

Empidonax hammondii

5/22/2026Walked along Putah Creek from Old Davis Hwy to Pedrick Rd.1 observed

Sabine's Gull

Xema sabini

5/21/2026Woodland WTP1 observed

Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's)

Setophaga coronata

5/19/2026Schweitzer Grove1 observed

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Setophaga coronata

5/19/2026River Bend Park, Rancho Cordova US-CA 38.59531, -121.327841 observed

Hooded Merganser

Lophodytes cucullatus

5/18/2026Sacramento Reg Wastewater Treatment Plant (limited access)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Wood Duck

35/28/2026

California Quail

25/28/2026

Wild Turkey

75/28/2026

Mourning Dove

125/28/2026

Black-chinned Hummingbird

15/28/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

15/28/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

205/28/2026

Snowy Egret

205/28/2026

Great Egret

405/28/2026

Great Blue Heron

115/28/2026

Turkey Vulture

35/28/2026

Cooper's Hawk

15/28/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

15/28/2026

Swainson's Hawk

25/28/2026

Acorn Woodpecker

15/28/2026

Downy Woodpecker

35/28/2026

Nuttall's Woodpecker

75/28/2026

Northern Flicker

25/28/2026

American Kestrel

15/28/2026

Western Wood-Pewee

15/28/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Babel Slough for birding?
The best months to visit Babel Slough for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Babel Slough?
Notable species at Babel Slough include Mourning Dove, Turkey Vulture, Red-tailed Hawk, Great Horned Owl, Nuttall's Woodpecker. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Babel Slough?
Birding at Babel Slough is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Babel Slough?
Babel Slough offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.