Putah Creek Sinks

California · Southwest

ModerateView on eBird Directions

Habitat

River/Riparian

Best Seasons

Fall Winter Spring

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

Belted Kingfisher Yellow Warbler Song Sparrow Great Blue Heron Cedar Waxwing

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Rock Pigeon

Columba livia

7/17/2026McKinley Park3 observed

American Redstart

Setophaga ruticilla

7/13/20261112 Westfield Terr, Davis US-CA (38.5683,-121.7629)1 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

7/9/2026American River Parkway--William B Pond Rec Area1 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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Black-crowned Night Heron

17/17/2026

Northern Harrier

17/17/2026

Bald Eagle

17/17/2026

Snowy Egret

57/17/2026

Western Cattle-Egret

87/17/2026

Great Blue Heron

17/17/2026

Black Phoebe

37/17/2026

Nuttall's Woodpecker

17/17/2026

American Crow

57/17/2026

Oak Titmouse

17/17/2026

Bushtit

17/17/2026

Mallard

17/17/2026

Killdeer

17/17/2026

Least Sandpiper

17/17/2026

White-faced Ibis

17/17/2026

Marsh Wren

17/17/2026

Great Egret

37/16/2026

Peregrine Falcon

17/16/2026

Tree Swallow

7/16/2026

Yellow-headed Blackbird

37/16/2026

Birding Tips

1
Walk along the water slowly, scanning overhanging branches for kingfishers and warblers.
2
Check sandbars and gravel bars for shorebirds and terns.
3
Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.

Amenities

Parking

Trails

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California Birding Guide

Complete guide to birding in California →

Birding Guides

Fall Bird Migration Guide

10 min read

Understanding Bird Migration

12 min read

Spring Birding in New York City

12 min read

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.