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

5/31/2026Lookout Slough Tidal Restoration1 observed

Hudsonian Whimbrel

Numenius hudsonicus

5/31/2026Lookout Slough Tidal Restoration1 observed

Red-breasted Nuthatch

Sitta canadensis

5/30/2026Putah Creek--Yolo Housing Authority access (YOL Co.)1 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

Western Cattle-Egret

Ardea ibis

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

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

5/23/2026North Natomas Regional Park1 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

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

Canada Goose

75/31/2026

Gadwall

45/31/2026

Mallard

85/31/2026

Ruddy Duck

75/31/2026

Mourning Dove

75/31/2026

American Coot

55/31/2026

Black-necked Stilt

65/31/2026

American Avocet

15/31/2026

Killdeer

95/31/2026

White-faced Ibis

75/31/2026

Snowy Egret

65/31/2026

Great Egret

65/31/2026

Great Blue Heron

45/31/2026

American White Pelican

15/31/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

15/31/2026

Black Phoebe

55/31/2026

Ash-throated Flycatcher

35/31/2026

Western Kingbird

75/31/2026

Bank Swallow

25/31/2026

Tree Swallow

205/31/2026

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.