River/Riparian birding habitat

Napa-Sonoma Marshes WA - Huichica Creek Unit

California · Southwest

Habitat
River/Riparian
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Napa-Sonoma Marshes WA - Huichica Creek Unit is a productive birding destination in California, with 231 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian habitat attracts Greater White-fronted Goose, Cackling Goose, and Canada Goose among many others. The unique desert and riparian habitats support specialty species alongside wintering and migrating birds.

Location

Loading map...

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

5/28/2026Waterbird Regional Preserve/McNabney Marsh1 observed

Dunlin

Calidris alpina

5/28/2026Lone Tree Point3 observed

Least Bittern

Botaurus exilis

5/28/2026Ellis Creek Water Recycling Facility1 observed

Blue-winged Teal

Spatula discors

5/27/2026Pacheco Marsh--Pt. Edith Trail (TransMontaigne Pipeline Trail)2 observed

Western Sandpiper

Calidris mauri

5/26/2026Lone Tree Point20 observed

Hudsonian Whimbrel

Numenius hudsonicus

5/26/2026Napa-Sonoma Marshes WA--Green Island Unit1 observed

Hooded Merganser

Lophodytes cucullatus

5/26/2026American Canyon Wetlands1 observed

Black-and-white Warbler

Mniotilta varia

5/26/2026Bouverie Preserve (limited access)1 observed

Black Skimmer

Rynchops niger

5/25/2026Salt Intake - Napa-Sonoma Marshes WA--Napa River Units - Pond 12 observed

American Herring Gull

Larus smithsonianus

5/24/2026Waterbird Regional Preserve/McNabney Marsh1 observed

Elegant Tern

Thalasseus elegans

5/24/2026Highway 37 - Sloughs Along Road to the South2 observed

Long-billed Dowitcher

Limnodromus scolopaceus

5/23/2026Pacheco Marsh--Pt. Edith Trail (TransMontaigne Pipeline Trail)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

205/23/2026

Mute Swan

25/23/2026

Cinnamon Teal

25/23/2026

Gadwall

205/23/2026

Mallard

605/23/2026

California Quail

65/23/2026

Mourning Dove

75/23/2026

Black-necked Stilt

155/23/2026

American Avocet

365/23/2026

Black-bellied Plover

15/23/2026

Killdeer

75/23/2026

Wilson's Phalarope

25/23/2026

Western Gull

15/23/2026

Forster's Tern

15/23/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

105/23/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

45/23/2026

Snowy Egret

65/23/2026

Great Egret

155/23/2026

Great Blue Heron

25/23/2026

Turkey Vulture

15/23/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Walk along the water slowly, scanning overhanging branches for kingfishers and warblers.

  2. 2

    Check sandbars and gravel bars for shorebirds and terns.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Napa-Sonoma Marshes WA - Huichica Creek Unit for birding?
The best months to visit Napa-Sonoma Marshes WA - Huichica Creek Unit for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Napa-Sonoma Marshes WA - Huichica Creek Unit?
Notable species at Napa-Sonoma Marshes WA - Huichica Creek Unit include Greater White-fronted Goose, Cackling Goose, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Cinnamon Teal. The area supports river/riparian habitats.
How difficult is birding at Napa-Sonoma Marshes WA - Huichica Creek Unit?
Birding at Napa-Sonoma Marshes WA - Huichica Creek Unit is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Napa-Sonoma Marshes WA - Huichica Creek Unit?
Napa-Sonoma Marshes WA - Huichica Creek Unit offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.