Lake birding habitat

North Area Drainage Pond

California · Southwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

North Area Drainage Pond is a productive birding destination in California, with 219 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Canada Goose, Wood Duck, and Mallard 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

Western Tanager

Piranga ludoviciana

7/8/2026Bufferlands--Upper Beach Lake (limited access)1 observed

Western Warbling Vireo

Vireo swainsoni

7/8/2026South Fork Putah Creek Preserve1 observed

Costa's Hummingbird

Calypte costae

7/5/2026709 Dunbarton Circle, Sacramento, California, US (38.563, -121.409)1 observed

Willet

Tringa semipalmata

6/30/2026Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area--Auto Tour Route4 observed

Allen's Hummingbird

Selasphorus sasin

6/29/202618658 County Road 95, Woodland, California, US (38.669, -121.862)1 observed

American Redstart

Setophaga ruticilla

6/28/2026Reichmuth Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

67/4/2026

Wood Duck

27/4/2026

Gadwall

37/4/2026

Mallard

47/4/2026

Mourning Dove

47/4/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

57/4/2026

Common Gallinule

17/4/2026

Green Heron

17/4/2026

Swainson's Hawk

37/4/2026

Downy Woodpecker

17/4/2026

Nuttall's Woodpecker

27/4/2026

Black Phoebe

67/4/2026

Ash-throated Flycatcher

17/4/2026

Western Kingbird

17/4/2026

California Scrub-Jay

37/4/2026

American Crow

27/4/2026

Tree Swallow

67/4/2026

Barn Swallow

87/4/2026

Bushtit

207/4/2026

Northern Mockingbird

17/4/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.

  2. 2

    Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit North Area Drainage Pond for birding?
The best months to visit North Area Drainage Pond for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at North Area Drainage Pond?
Notable species at North Area Drainage Pond include Canada Goose, Wood Duck, Mallard, Mourning Dove, Anna's Hummingbird. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at North Area Drainage Pond?
Birding at North Area Drainage Pond is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at North Area Drainage Pond?
North Area Drainage Pond offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.