Desert birding habitat

Holland Tract

California · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Holland Tract is a productive birding destination in California, with 205 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Mute Swan, Northern Shoveler, and Northern Pintail 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

Common Goldeneye

Bucephala clangula

7/13/2026Clifton Court Forebay2 observed

Bank Swallow

Riparia riparia

7/13/2026Clifton Court Forebay1 observed

Northern Yellow Warbler

Setophaga aestiva

7/9/202694505, Discovery Bay US-CA 37.83258, -121.554761 observed

Dark-eyed Junco (Oregon)

Junco hyemalis

7/7/20263723 Gentle Rain Way, Stockton, California, US (38.04, -121.364)1 observed

Least Bittern

Botaurus exilis

7/7/2026Dutch Slough Restoration Area1 observed

Yellow-headed Blackbird

Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus

7/7/2026Dutch Slough Restoration Area3 observed

Purple Finch

Haemorhous purpureus

7/4/2026Brannan Island SRA2 observed

Western Tanager

Piranga ludoviciana

7/4/2026Brannan Island SRA2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

307/9/2026

Mallard

47/9/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

37/9/2026

Mourning Dove

137/9/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

17/9/2026

Killdeer

27/9/2026

Long-billed Curlew

17/9/2026

Ring-billed Gull

17/9/2026

Caspian Tern

47/9/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

17/9/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

17/9/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

27/9/2026

Snowy Egret

17/9/2026

Green Heron

17/9/2026

Great Egret

257/9/2026

Great Blue Heron

17/9/2026

Turkey Vulture

17/9/2026

Swainson's Hawk

27/9/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

37/9/2026

Downy Woodpecker

17/9/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Start birding at dawn when desert birds are most active before the heat.

  2. 2

    Check around water sources, which concentrate desert species.

  3. 3

    Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Holland Tract for birding?
The best months to visit Holland Tract for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Holland Tract?
Notable species at Holland Tract include Mute Swan, Northern Shoveler, Northern Pintail, Sandhill Crane, Greater Yellowlegs. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at Holland Tract?
Birding at Holland Tract is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Holland Tract?
Holland Tract offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.