Desert birding habitat

Davis WTP

California · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Davis WTP is a productive birding destination in California, with 215 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, and American Wigeon 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

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

Hooded Merganser

Lophodytes cucullatus

5/21/2026Roosevelt Ranch (private, no public access)2 observed

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Setophaga coronata

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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Red-tailed Hawk

15/30/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

15/30/2026

Great Egret

35/30/2026

Great Blue Heron

15/30/2026

Turkey Vulture

15/30/2026

Cliff Swallow

25/30/2026

Marsh Wren

25/30/2026

House Sparrow

15/30/2026

Western Meadowlark

15/30/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

305/30/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

15/30/2026

Great-tailed Grackle

25/30/2026

Canada Goose

205/30/2026

Mute Swan

15/30/2026

Mourning Dove

15/30/2026

Black-necked Stilt

55/30/2026

American Avocet

15/30/2026

Snowy Egret

15/30/2026

Swainson's Hawk

15/30/2026

Black Phoebe

15/30/2026

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 WTP for birding?
The best months to visit Davis WTP for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Davis WTP?
Notable species at Davis WTP include Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, American Wigeon, Mallard, Black-necked Stilt. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at Davis WTP?
Birding at Davis WTP is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Davis WTP?
Davis WTP offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.