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 Sandpiper

Calidris mauri

5/27/2026Woodland WTP1 observed

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

5/23/2026North Natomas Regional Park1 observed

Hammond's Flycatcher

Empidonax hammondii

5/22/2026Walked along Putah Creek from Old Davis Hwy to Pedrick Rd.1 observed

Sabine's Gull

Xema sabini

5/21/2026Woodland WTP1 observed

Hooded Merganser

Lophodytes cucullatus

5/21/2026Roosevelt Ranch (private, no public access)2 observed

Black-chinned x Anna's Hummingbird (hybrid)

Archilochus alexandri x Calypte anna

5/16/2026Private Residence1 observed

Golden-crowned Sparrow

Zonotrichia atricapilla

5/16/2026audubon Bobcat Ranch1 observed

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Setophaga coronata

5/15/2026Fisherman's Lake1 observed

Bufflehead

Bucephala albeola

5/14/2026Walmart Canal1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

25/27/2026

Mourning Dove

25/27/2026

Killdeer

15/27/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

25/27/2026

Nuttall's Woodpecker

15/27/2026

Western Wood-Pewee

15/27/2026

Black Phoebe

25/27/2026

California Scrub-Jay

15/27/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

25/27/2026

Barn Swallow

45/27/2026

Cliff Swallow

85/27/2026

Bushtit

25/27/2026

House Finch

35/27/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

25/27/2026

Canada Goose

75/20/2026

Wood Duck

15/20/2026

Gadwall

45/20/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

25/20/2026

Common Gallinule

15/20/2026

Green Heron

15/20/2026

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.