Wetland birding habitat

Don Edwards National Wildlife Refuge

California · Southwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Don Edwards National Wildlife Refuge is a productive birding destination in California, with 255 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Northern Shoveler, and Mallard 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

Redhead

Aythya americana

5/30/2026Palo Alto Flood Control Basin--E. Bayshore Rd. ponds4 observed

Elegant Tern

Thalasseus elegans

5/30/2026Sunnyvale WPCP--East Pond2 observed

Lawrence's Goldfinch

Spinus lawrencei

5/30/2026Ed Levin CP--Spring Valley area1 observed

Blue Grosbeak

Passerina caerulea

5/30/2026Ed Levin CP--Calera Creek Trail2 observed

Western Gull

Larus occidentalis

5/30/2026Palo Alto Baylands1 observed

Red-breasted Nuthatch

Sitta canadensis

5/30/2026El Corte De Madera Creek OSP1 observed

Hermit Thrush

Catharus guttatus

5/30/2026El Corte De Madera Creek OSP1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

95/30/2026

Gadwall

45/30/2026

Mallard

45/30/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

25/30/2026

Mourning Dove

25/30/2026

Black-necked Stilt

465/30/2026

American Avocet

95/30/2026

Killdeer

35/30/2026

Ring-billed Gull

15/30/2026

California Gull

45/30/2026

Forster's Tern

25/30/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

15/30/2026

Snowy Egret

25/30/2026

Great Egret

95/30/2026

Turkey Vulture

25/30/2026

Black Phoebe

15/30/2026

Barn Swallow

285/30/2026

Bewick's Wren

15/30/2026

European Starling

25/30/2026

Northern Mockingbird

15/30/2026

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 Don Edwards National Wildlife Refuge for birding?
The best months to visit Don Edwards National Wildlife Refuge for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Don Edwards National Wildlife Refuge?
Notable species at Don Edwards National Wildlife Refuge include Canada Goose, Northern Shoveler, Mallard, Bufflehead, Eurasian Collared-Dove. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Don Edwards National Wildlife Refuge?
Birding at Don Edwards National Wildlife Refuge is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Don Edwards National Wildlife Refuge?
Don Edwards National Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.