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

Blue-winged Teal

Spatula discors

7/19/2026Don Edwards NWR--entrance road (Grand Blvd.) between tracks and gate1 observed

American Wigeon

Mareca americana

7/19/2026Don Edwards NWR--entrance road (Grand Blvd.) between tracks and gate1 observed

Red Knot

Calidris canutus

7/19/2026Salt Pond A93 observed

Black-chinned Hummingbird

Archilochus alexandri

7/19/2026Guadalupe River Park1 observed

Elegant Tern

Thalasseus elegans

7/19/2026Stevens Creek delta1 observed

Scaly-breasted Munia

Lonchura punctulata

7/19/2026Santa Clara Valley Water District1 observed

Western Gull

Larus occidentalis

7/19/2026Stevens Creek delta2 observed

Wilson's Snipe

Gallinago delicata

7/19/2026Coyote Hills Regional Park1 observed

Lawrence's Goldfinch

Spinus lawrencei

7/19/2026Skyline Ridge OSP1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

307/18/2026

Cinnamon Teal

17/18/2026

Gadwall

47/18/2026

Mallard

207/18/2026

Lesser Scaup

107/18/2026

Ruddy Duck

107/18/2026

Mourning Dove

37/18/2026

American Coot

207/18/2026

Black-necked Stilt

307/18/2026

Long-billed Curlew

27/18/2026

Marbled Godwit

17/18/2026

Willet

17/18/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

37/18/2026

Least Sandpiper

157/18/2026

California Gull

1007/18/2026

Glaucous-winged Gull

17/18/2026

Black Skimmer

507/18/2026

Caspian Tern

37/18/2026

Forster's Tern

1007/18/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

57/18/2026

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.