Wetland birding habitat

Don Edwards National Wildlife Refuge - Env. Ed. Center and nearby upland areas

California · Southwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Don Edwards National Wildlife Refuge - Env. Ed. Center and nearby upland areas is a productive birding destination in California, with 224 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and Ruddy Duck 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

Pectoral Sandpiper

Calidris melanotos

7/21/2026Spreckles Ave. and Grand Blvd.1 observed

Scaly-breasted Munia

Lonchura punctulata

7/20/2026Santa Clara Valley Water District8 observed

Least Tern

Sternula antillarum

7/20/2026Pete's Harbor1 observed

Western Gull

Larus occidentalis

7/20/2026Stevens Creek delta1 observed

Song Sparrow (pusillula)

Melospiza melodia

7/20/2026Don Edwards NWR--Ravenswood Salt Ponds R1/R26 observed

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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

7/19/2026

Mallard

7/19/2026

Ruddy Duck

7/19/2026

Mourning Dove

7/19/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

7/19/2026

Virginia Rail

7/19/2026

American Coot

7/19/2026

Black-necked Stilt

1007/19/2026

American Avocet

107/19/2026

Killdeer

7/19/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

7/19/2026

California Gull

2507/19/2026

Caspian Tern

57/19/2026

Forster's Tern

1007/19/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

87/19/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

207/19/2026

Snowy Egret

57/19/2026

Green Heron

27/19/2026

Great Egret

17/19/2026

American White Pelican

507/19/2026

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 - Env. Ed. Center and nearby upland areas for birding?
The best months to visit Don Edwards National Wildlife Refuge - Env. Ed. Center and nearby upland areas 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 - Env. Ed. Center and nearby upland areas?
Notable species at Don Edwards National Wildlife Refuge - Env. Ed. Center and nearby upland areas include Canada Goose, Mallard, Ruddy Duck, Anna's Hummingbird, American Coot. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Don Edwards National Wildlife Refuge - Env. Ed. Center and nearby upland areas?
Birding at Don Edwards National Wildlife Refuge - Env. Ed. Center and nearby upland areas is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Don Edwards National Wildlife Refuge - Env. Ed. Center and nearby upland areas?
Don Edwards National Wildlife Refuge - Env. Ed. Center and nearby upland areas offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.