Desert birding habitat

Davis Wetlands

California · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Davis Wetlands is a productive birding destination in California, with 241 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Snow Goose, Ross's Goose, and Greater White-fronted Goose 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

7/18/20266661–6665 Etzel Rd, Dixon US-CA 38.38143, -121.730811 observed

Black-throated Gray Warbler

Setophaga nigrescens

7/18/2026American River Parkway--Discovery Park1 observed

White-crowned Sparrow

Zonotrichia leucophrys

7/18/2026Fisherman's Lake5 observed

Wilson's Warbler

Cardellina pusilla

7/18/2026Reichmuth Park1 observed

Rock Pigeon

Columba livia

7/17/2026McKinley Park3 observed

Baird's Sandpiper

Calidris bairdii

7/13/2026Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area--Auto Tour Route1 observed

Allen's Hummingbird

Selasphorus sasin

7/12/202618658 County Road 95, Woodland, California, US (38.669, -121.862)1 observed

Western Tanager

Piranga ludoviciana

7/9/2026American River Parkway--William B Pond Rec Area1 observed

Western Warbling Vireo

Vireo swainsoni

7/8/2026South Fork Putah Creek Preserve1 observed

Costa's Hummingbird

Calypte costae

7/5/2026709 Dunbarton Circle, Sacramento, California, US (38.563, -121.409)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Anna's Hummingbird

17/18/2026

Black Phoebe

27/18/2026

Western Kingbird

7/18/2026

Western Bluebird

17/18/2026

House Finch

7/18/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

7/18/2026

Common Raven

27/18/2026

Northern Mockingbird

17/18/2026

American Goldfinch

27/18/2026

Swainson's Hawk

17/18/2026

House Sparrow

17/18/2026

Wild Turkey

27/18/2026

Canada Goose

67/18/2026

Downy Woodpecker

17/18/2026

Nuttall's Woodpecker

17/18/2026

California Scrub-Jay

87/18/2026

American Crow

37/18/2026

Barn Swallow

17/18/2026

Bewick's Wren

17/18/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

17/17/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Start birding at dawn when desert birds are most active before the heat.

  2. 2

    Check around water sources, which concentrate desert species.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Davis Wetlands for birding?
The best months to visit Davis Wetlands for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Davis Wetlands?
Notable species at Davis Wetlands include Snow Goose, Ross's Goose, Greater White-fronted Goose, Canada Goose, Cinnamon Teal. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at Davis Wetlands?
Birding at Davis Wetlands is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Davis Wetlands?
Davis Wetlands offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.