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

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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

Yellow-breasted Chat

Icteria virens

5/27/2026Arden-Arcade US-CA 38.59151, -121.390301 observed

Western Sandpiper

Calidris mauri

5/27/2026Woodland WTP1 observed

Black Swift

Cypseloides niger

5/26/2026Andover Court1 observed

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

5/23/2026North Natomas Regional Park1 observed

Hammond's Flycatcher

Empidonax hammondii

5/22/2026Walked along Putah Creek from Old Davis Hwy to Pedrick Rd.1 observed

Sabine's Gull

Xema sabini

5/21/2026Woodland WTP1 observed

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Setophaga coronata

5/19/2026River Bend Park, Rancho Cordova US-CA 38.59531, -121.327841 observed

Hooded Merganser

Lophodytes cucullatus

5/18/2026Sacramento Reg Wastewater Treatment Plant (limited access)1 observed

Black-chinned x Anna's Hummingbird (hybrid)

Archilochus alexandri x Calypte anna

5/16/2026Private Residence1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

25/29/2026

Killdeer

15/29/2026

White-faced Ibis

15/29/2026

Great Egret

15/29/2026

Great Blue Heron

15/29/2026

Black Phoebe

25/29/2026

Cliff Swallow

105/29/2026

Northern House Wren

25/29/2026

Marsh Wren

75/29/2026

House Finch

85/29/2026

Song Sparrow

35/29/2026

Western Meadowlark

25/29/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

205/29/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

25/29/2026

Great-tailed Grackle

45/29/2026

Common Yellowthroat

25/29/2026

Blue Grosbeak

15/29/2026

Mallard

45/28/2026

Ring-necked Pheasant

25/28/2026

Rock Pigeon

35/28/2026

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.