Desert birding habitat

Russ Ranch Wetlands

California · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Russ Ranch Wetlands is a productive birding destination in California, with 245 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Cinnamon Teal, Northern Shoveler, and Gadwall 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

Pacific Golden-Plover

Pluvialis fulva

4/17/20263076-3072 Cannibal Island Road, Ferndale, California, US (40.643, -124.286)10 observed

Elegant Tern

Thalasseus elegans

4/17/2026Crab Park5 observed

Calliope Hummingbird

Selasphorus calliope

4/17/2026Thayer’s Domain (Private)1 observed

California Towhee

Melozone crissalis

4/17/2026River Bar Road1 observed

Palm Warbler

Setophaga palmarum

4/17/2026Humboldt Bay NWR--Salmon Creek Unit2 observed

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

4/15/2026458 Northwestern Avenue, Fortuna, California, US (40.516, -124.133)1 observed

Royal Tern

Thalasseus maximus

4/13/2026Crab Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Brant

2004/12/2026

Canada Goose

54/12/2026

Northern Shoveler

804/12/2026

Gadwall

64/12/2026

American Wigeon

214/12/2026

Mallard

114/12/2026

Northern Pintail

84/12/2026

Green-winged Teal

454/12/2026

Surf Scoter

804/12/2026

American Coot

54/12/2026

Long-billed Dowitcher

804/12/2026

Willet

24/12/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

14/12/2026

Least Sandpiper

84/12/2026

Western Gull

44/12/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

14/12/2026

Pelagic Cormorant

24/12/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

54/12/2026

Great Egret

34/12/2026

Brown Pelican

44/12/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Start birding at dawn when desert birds are most active before the heat.

  2. 2

    Check around water sources, which concentrate desert species.

  3. 3

    Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Russ Ranch Wetlands for birding?
The best months to visit Russ Ranch Wetlands for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Russ Ranch Wetlands?
Notable species at Russ Ranch Wetlands include Cinnamon Teal, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, American Wigeon, Mallard. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at Russ Ranch Wetlands?
Birding at Russ Ranch Wetlands is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Russ Ranch Wetlands?
Russ Ranch Wetlands offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.