Valley Ford Wetlands

California · Southwest

ModerateView on eBird Directions

Habitat

DesertChaparral

Best Seasons

Fall Winter Spring

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Valley Ford Wetlands is a productive birding destination in California, with 209 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and California Quail among many others. The unique desert and riparian habitats support specialty species alongside wintering and migrating birds.

Location

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Notable Species

Canada Goose Mallard California Quail Eurasian Collared-Dove Anna's Hummingbird

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Swainson's Thrush

Catharus ustulatus

4/17/2026Salmon Creek Road--from Fitzpatrick Lane to end of public road (including Fitzpatrick Lane)2 observed

Elegant Tern

Thalasseus elegans

4/17/2026Doran Regional Park - entrance pond to jetty5 observed

Common Black x Red-shouldered Hawk (hybrid)

Buteogallus anthracinus x Buteo lineatus

4/13/2026Santa Rosa Creek Trail and Delta Pond (west of Willowside Rd)1 observed

Black-chinned Hummingbird

Archilochus alexandri

4/11/2026Bees n Blooms1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

84/8/2026

Cinnamon Teal

14/8/2026

Gadwall

24/8/2026

Mallard

44/8/2026

Green-winged Teal

164/8/2026

California Quail

74/8/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

114/8/2026

Mourning Dove

14/8/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

14/8/2026

Killdeer

54/8/2026

Hudsonian Whimbrel

24/8/2026

Wilson's Snipe

24/8/2026

Lesser Yellowlegs

14/8/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

124/8/2026

Least Sandpiper

24/8/2026

Turkey Vulture

64/8/2026

Peregrine Falcon

14/8/2026

Black Phoebe

44/8/2026

Western Kingbird

14/8/2026

Barn Swallow

124/8/2026

Birding Tips

1
Start birding at dawn when desert birds are most active before the heat.
2
Check around water sources, which concentrate desert species.
3
Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.

Amenities

Parking

Trails

More in California

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Mono Lake

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California Birding Guide

Complete guide to birding in California →

Birding Guides

Fall Bird Migration Guide

10 min read

How to Attract Hummingbirds

10 min read

Understanding Bird Migration

12 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Valley Ford Wetlands for birding?▼

The best months to visit Valley Ford Wetlands for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.

What birds can I see at Valley Ford Wetlands?▼

Notable species at Valley Ford Wetlands include Canada Goose, Mallard, California Quail, Eurasian Collared-Dove, Anna's Hummingbird. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.

How difficult is birding at Valley Ford Wetlands?▼

Birding at Valley Ford Wetlands is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.

What amenities are available at Valley Ford Wetlands?▼

Valley Ford Wetlands offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.