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

Say's Phoebe

Sayornis saya

7/15/20266018–6036 Kerry Rd, Rohnert Park US-CA (38.3529,-122.6763)1 observed

Red-winged Blackbird (Red-winged)

Agelaius phoeniceus

7/14/2026Crane Creek Regional Park1 observed

Lawrence's Goldfinch

Spinus lawrencei

7/12/2026Owl Canyon - ONLY (waterbirds from this site OK)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

17/16/2026

Killdeer

17/16/2026

Western Sandpiper

77/16/2026

Great Blue Heron

17/16/2026

Turkey Vulture

17/16/2026

Black Phoebe

17/16/2026

Common Raven

47/16/2026

Tree Swallow

67/16/2026

Barn Swallow

157/16/2026

Cliff Swallow

187/16/2026

European Starling

137/16/2026

Northern Mockingbird

17/16/2026

House Sparrow

17/16/2026

House Finch

57/16/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

27/16/2026

Grasshopper Sparrow

17/16/2026

Savannah Sparrow

437/16/2026

Song Sparrow

17/16/2026

Western Meadowlark

17/16/2026

Brewer's Blackbird

17/16/2026

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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Ancient saline lake with millions of migratory birds and surreal tufa towers.

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.