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

Cackling Goose

Branta hutchinsii

6/1/2026Lagoon Valley Park--Fairfield North CE Atlas Block1 observed

Greater White-fronted Goose

Anser albifrons

6/1/2026Quarry Pond (private property)1 observed

Bank Swallow

Riparia riparia

5/31/2026Lookout Slough Tidal Restoration1 observed

Long-billed Dowitcher

Limnodromus scolopaceus

5/31/2026Wilson's Phalarope Nesting Pool4 observed

Hudsonian Whimbrel

Numenius hudsonicus

5/31/2026Wilson's Phalarope Nesting Pool1 observed

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Setophaga coronata

5/31/2026Gates Canyon Rd.1 observed

Red-breasted Nuthatch

Sitta canadensis

5/30/2026Putah Creek--Yolo Housing Authority access (YOL Co.)1 observed

Common Loon

Gavia immer

5/29/20262385 Waterside Dr, Fairfield US-CA 38.29651, -121.95537 one Lake1 observed

Golden-crowned Sparrow

Zonotrichia atricapilla

5/28/2026Audubon Bobcat Ranch (private - access by permission only)1 observed

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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Eurasian Collared-Dove

25/31/2026

Mourning Dove

75/31/2026

Turkey Vulture

15/31/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

15/31/2026

Swainson's Hawk

15/31/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

15/31/2026

Belted Kingfisher

15/31/2026

Black Phoebe

15/31/2026

Western Kingbird

65/31/2026

California Scrub-Jay

45/31/2026

Yellow-billed Magpie

35/31/2026

American Crow

15/31/2026

Tree Swallow

55/31/2026

Bushtit

35/31/2026

Northern House Wren

65/31/2026

Northern Mockingbird

35/31/2026

Western Bluebird

85/31/2026

House Finch

165/31/2026

California Towhee

15/31/2026

Bullock's Oriole

15/31/2026

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.