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 224 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Mallard, Ruddy Duck, and Western Gull 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

Vaux's Swift

Chaetura vauxi

7/13/2026Windy Hill OSP--Sausal Pond1 observed

Vermilion Flycatcher

Pyrocephalus rubinus

7/12/2026Garin/Dry Creek Pioneer Regional Parks, Union City US-CA 37.62753, -122.027351 observed

Least Tern

Sternula antillarum

7/12/2026Foster City Shell Bar18 observed

Lesser Yellowlegs

Tringa flavipes

7/12/2026Don Edwards NWR--entrance road (Grand Blvd.) between tracks and gate3 observed

Red Knot

Calidris canutus

7/12/2026Salt Pond A92 observed

Greater Scaup

Aythya marila

7/12/2026Preserve Park2 observed

Song Sparrow (pusillula)

Melospiza melodia

7/12/2026Preserve Park1 observed

Cackling Goose

Branta hutchinsii

7/12/2026MLK Jr. Regional Shoreline--Arrowhead Marsh1 observed

Cassin's Kingbird

Tyrannus vociferans

7/12/2026Pacific Commons Linear Park2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

87/2/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

37/2/2026

Black-necked Stilt

17/2/2026

American Avocet

37/2/2026

California Gull

307/2/2026

Forster's Tern

17/2/2026

Great Egret

17/2/2026

California Scrub-Jay

37/2/2026

Barn Swallow

67/2/2026

Cliff Swallow

367/2/2026

House Finch

207/2/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

17/2/2026

Song Sparrow

37/2/2026

California Towhee

27/2/2026

American White Pelican

57/1/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

17/1/2026

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 Mallard, Ruddy Duck, Western Gull, California Gull, Eared Grebe. 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.