A sun-dappled path through a sparse desert forest.

Putah Creek Riparian Reserve

California · Southwest

Habitat
River/Riparian
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open daily, sunrise to sunset

About This Location

Putah Creek Riparian Reserve is a productive birding destination in California, with 227 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian habitat attracts Wood Duck, Anna's Hummingbird, and Double-crested Cormorant 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

Semipalmated Sandpiper

Calidris pusilla

7/21/2026Woodland WTP1 observed

Wilson's Snipe

Gallinago delicata

7/20/2026Lagoon Valley Park and Pena Adobe Historical Area1 observed

Indigo Bunting

Passerina cyanea

7/20/2026Cache Creek Settling Basin1 observed

Hermit Warbler

Setophaga occidentalis

7/19/2026Lagoon Valley Park and Pena Adobe Historical Area1 observed

Black-throated Gray Warbler

Setophaga nigrescens

7/19/2026Lagoon Valley Park and Pena Adobe Historical Area1 observed

Bank Swallow

Riparia riparia

7/18/20266661–6665 Etzel Rd, Dixon US-CA 38.38143, -121.730811 observed

White-crowned Sparrow

Zonotrichia leucophrys

7/18/2026Fisherman's Lake5 observed

Wilson's Warbler

Cardellina pusilla

7/18/2026Reichmuth Park1 observed

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

7/17/2026Lagoon Valley Park and Pena Adobe Historical Area1 observed

Rock Pigeon

Columba livia

7/17/2026McKinley Park3 observed

Yellow-headed Blackbird

Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus

7/13/2026Delta - Lookout Slough5 observed

Baird's Sandpiper

Calidris bairdii

7/13/2026Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area--Auto Tour Route1 observed

Allen's Hummingbird

Selasphorus sasin

7/12/202618658 County Road 95, Woodland, California, US (38.669, -121.862)1 observed

Western Tanager

Piranga ludoviciana

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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Wood Duck

27/19/2026

Mourning Dove

97/19/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

37/19/2026

White-faced Ibis

27/19/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

27/19/2026

Swainson's Hawk

67/19/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

27/19/2026

Belted Kingfisher

17/19/2026

Nuttall's Woodpecker

107/19/2026

Northern Flicker

37/19/2026

Black Phoebe

117/19/2026

Ash-throated Flycatcher

77/19/2026

California Scrub-Jay

87/19/2026

Tree Swallow

37/19/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

27/19/2026

Barn Swallow

37/19/2026

Cliff Swallow

327/19/2026

Bushtit

147/19/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

57/19/2026

Northern House Wren

177/19/2026

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.

  4. 4

    Arrive early in the morning for peak bird activity and to secure parking at popular viewing areas.

  5. 5

    Bring quality optics — a good pair of binoculars (8x42 or 10x42) makes all the difference in species identification.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Putah Creek Riparian Reserve for birding?
The best months to visit Putah Creek Riparian Reserve for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Putah Creek Riparian Reserve?
Notable species at Putah Creek Riparian Reserve include Wood Duck, Anna's Hummingbird, Double-crested Cormorant, Turkey Vulture, Red-shouldered Hawk, Mallard, White-throated Swift, Nuttall's Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, California Scrub-Jay, American Crow, Bushtit. The area supports river/riparian habitats.
How difficult is birding at Putah Creek Riparian Reserve?
Birding at Putah Creek Riparian Reserve is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Putah Creek Riparian Reserve?
There is no entrance fee at Putah Creek Riparian Reserve. Hours: Open daily, sunrise to sunset.
What amenities are available at Putah Creek Riparian Reserve?
Putah Creek Riparian Reserve offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.