Cosumnes River Preserve
California · Southwest
Moderate
October-May
Free
Open daily, sunrise to sunset
About This Location
Cosumnes River Preserve is a productive birding destination in California, with 255 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian habitat attracts American Wigeon, Green-winged Teal, and American Avocet 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
Bank Swallow
Riparia riparia
Long-billed Dowitcher
Limnodromus scolopaceus
Hudsonian Whimbrel
Numenius hudsonicus
American Pipit
Anthus rubescens
Dark-eyed Junco
Junco hyemalis
Brown Pelican
Pelecanus occidentalis
Western Cattle-Egret
Ardea ibis
Hooded Merganser
Lophodytes cucullatus
Recent Observations
Species reported at this location in the last 14 days
Wood Duck
California Quail
Mourning Dove
Great Egret
Great Blue Heron
Turkey Vulture
Red-shouldered Hawk
Swainson's Hawk
Red-tailed Hawk
Belted Kingfisher
Acorn Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Nuttall's Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Western Wood-Pewee
Black Phoebe
Western Kingbird
California Scrub-Jay
American Crow
Oak Titmouse
Birding Tips
- 1
Walk along the water slowly, scanning overhanging branches for kingfishers and warblers.
- 2
Check sandbars and gravel bars for shorebirds and terns.
- 3
Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.
- 4
Arrive early in the morning for peak bird activity and to secure parking at popular viewing areas.
- 5
Bring quality optics — a good pair of binoculars (8x42 or 10x42) makes all the difference in species identification.
Amenities
Nearby Attractions
- Lodi Lake Nature Area
- Staten Island Ranch
- Stone Lakes NWR
More in California
California Birding Guide
Complete guide to birding in California →