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

Spotted Sandpiper

Actitis macularius

5/24/2026Montezuma slough wetlands Dutra Materials private1 observed

Brown Pelican

Pelecanus occidentalis

5/23/2026Northern Sherman Island Levee Road1 observed

Western Cattle-Egret

Ardea ibis

5/22/2026Bradford Island2 observed

Rough-legged Hawk

Buteo lagopus

5/21/20262103 Prestwick Dr, Discovery Bay US-CA 37.89530, -121.591131 observed

Least Bittern

Botaurus exilis

5/21/2026Sherman Island1 observed

Snow Goose

Anser caerulescens

5/17/2026White Slough Wildlife Area (Ponds 9-13)1 observed

Cassin's Kingbird

Tyrannus vociferans

5/15/2026Brushy Peak Regional Park1 observed

Cackling Goose

Branta hutchinsii

5/15/2026Shumway Oak Grove Regional Park3 observed

Cackling Goose (Aleutian)

Branta hutchinsii

5/14/2026Twitchell Island3 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

25/17/2026

Mallard

85/17/2026

California Quail

25/17/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

115/17/2026

Mourning Dove

45/17/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

15/17/2026

Killdeer

15/17/2026

Caspian Tern

45/17/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

35/17/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

15/17/2026

Osprey

15/17/2026

Northern Harrier

15/17/2026

Swainson's Hawk

65/17/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

15/17/2026

Belted Kingfisher

15/17/2026

Nuttall's Woodpecker

25/17/2026

American Kestrel

25/17/2026

Western Wood-Pewee

15/17/2026

Black Phoebe

35/17/2026

Western Kingbird

35/17/2026

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.