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

Black Oystercatcher

Haematopus bachmani

5/27/2026Charleston Slough/Coast Casey Forebay1 observed

Blue Grosbeak

Passerina caerulea

5/27/2026Ed Levin County Park (please use a more specific hotspot where possible)1 observed

Lawrence's Goldfinch

Spinus lawrencei

5/27/2026Ed Levin CP--Spring Valley area1 observed

Hermit Thrush

Catharus guttatus

5/27/2026Huddart County Park2 observed

Scaly-breasted Munia

Lonchura punctulata

5/27/2026Penitencia Creek Trail2 observed

Golden-crowned Sparrow

Zonotrichia atricapilla

5/26/2026Hayward, Drummond north (gated community)1 observed

Tricolored Blackbird

Agelaius tricolor

5/26/2026Bedwell Bayfront Park-Menlo Park2 observed

Solitary Sandpiper

Tringa solitaria

5/25/2026Shoreline Park--Shoreline Lake area1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

205/27/2026

Mallard

205/27/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

15/27/2026

Black-necked Stilt

205/27/2026

American Avocet

25/27/2026

Killdeer

15/27/2026

California Gull

205/27/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

25/27/2026

Snowy Egret

25/27/2026

Great Egret

15/27/2026

Turkey Vulture

35/27/2026

Black Phoebe

25/27/2026

American Crow

15/27/2026

Barn Swallow

205/27/2026

Cliff Swallow

305/27/2026

Bushtit

55/27/2026

Marsh Wren

25/27/2026

Northern Mockingbird

15/27/2026

House Finch

85/27/2026

Savannah Sparrow

35/27/2026

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.