River/Riparian birding habitat

Putah Creek Sinks

California · Southwest

Habitat
River/Riparian
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Putah Creek Sinks is a productive birding destination in California, with 200 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian habitat attracts a wide variety of species 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

Yellow-breasted Chat

Icteria virens

5/27/2026Arden-Arcade US-CA 38.59151, -121.390301 observed

Western Sandpiper

Calidris mauri

5/27/2026Woodland WTP1 observed

Black Swift

Cypseloides niger

5/26/2026Andover Court1 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

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Setophaga coronata

5/19/2026River Bend Park, Rancho Cordova US-CA 38.59531, -121.327841 observed

Hooded Merganser

Lophodytes cucullatus

5/18/2026Sacramento Reg Wastewater Treatment Plant (limited access)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Rock Pigeon

35/30/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

35/30/2026

Mourning Dove

35/30/2026

Turkey Vulture

35/30/2026

Nuttall's Woodpecker

85/30/2026

Black Phoebe

35/30/2026

Ash-throated Flycatcher

35/30/2026

Western Kingbird

135/30/2026

California Scrub-Jay

25/30/2026

American Crow

15/30/2026

Tree Swallow

45/30/2026

Bushtit

25/30/2026

European Starling

25/30/2026

Western Bluebird

45/30/2026

American Robin

25/30/2026

House Sparrow

45/30/2026

House Finch

35/30/2026

American Goldfinch

35/30/2026

Wild Turkey

25/30/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

15/30/2026

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 Putah Creek Sinks for birding?
The best months to visit Putah Creek Sinks for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Putah Creek Sinks?
Notable species at Putah Creek Sinks include Belted Kingfisher, Yellow Warbler, Song Sparrow, Great Blue Heron, Cedar Waxwing. The area supports river/riparian habitats.
How difficult is birding at Putah Creek Sinks?
Birding at Putah Creek Sinks is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Putah Creek Sinks?
Putah Creek Sinks offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.