circa 1865:  The Merced River and Yosemite Falls in California Original Artwork: Lithograph by Currier and Ives  (Photo by MPI/Getty Images)

Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area

California · Southwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open daily, sunrise to sunset (auto tour varies)

About This Location

Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area is a productive birding destination in California, with 277 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Greater White-fronted Goose, Common Merganser, and Rock Pigeon among many others. The unique desert and riparian habitats support specialty species alongside wintering and migrating birds.

Location

Loading map...

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

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

Canada Goose

27/15/2026

Mallard

207/15/2026

Northern Pintail

37/15/2026

Ring-billed Gull

27/15/2026

White-faced Ibis

157/15/2026

Western Cattle-Egret

27/15/2026

Great Egret

17/15/2026

American White Pelican

27/15/2026

Turkey Vulture

57/15/2026

White-tailed Kite

17/15/2026

Bald Eagle

27/15/2026

Swainson's Hawk

17/15/2026

Yellow-billed Magpie

17/15/2026

American Crow

37/15/2026

Tree Swallow

507/15/2026

Barn Swallow

67/15/2026

European Starling

47/15/2026

Yellow-headed Blackbird

17/15/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

2007/15/2026

Mourning Dove

47/13/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  3. 3

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

  4. 4

    Bring insect repellent — wetland areas can have significant mosquito activity, especially in warmer months.

  5. 5

    Bring quality optics — a good pair of binoculars (8x42 or 10x42) makes all the difference in species identification.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area for birding?
The best months to visit Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area?
Notable species at Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area include Greater White-fronted Goose, Common Merganser, Rock Pigeon, Double-crested Cormorant, Turkey Vulture, Mallard, Wild Turkey, Great Egret, Great Blue Heron, White-tailed Kite, Great Horned Owl, American Crow. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area?
Birding at Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area?
There is no entrance fee at Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area. Hours: Open daily, sunrise to sunset (auto tour varies).
What amenities are available at Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area?
Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.