Winter may not seem like the best time to get outdoors and enjoy nature, but for bird lovers, there’s no better season. Yolo County’s rural landscapes and expansive wetlands make for a perfect pit stop for birds of all kinds, from migrating waterfowl to birds of prey and chirping songbirds.
Birds can be found in every corner of Yolo County, from seasonal wetlands to protected preserves — even regional parks. Not into birding? No worries, many of these areas are also ideal for nature lovers who prefer fur over feathers. Deer, coyote, rabbit, and many other critters also call these areas home.
So, strap on your hiking shoes, grab your binoculars (maybe even a field guide if you’re fancy) and head out to one of the following spots in Yolo County that are popular for bird watching.
Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area
Perhaps the most important wildlife conservation area in the region, the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area stretches from West Sacramento to Davis. Its 16,600 acres of seasonal and permanent wetlands, natural perennial wetlands, and riparian woodland welcome thousands of species of birds during migration season. Common birds include the Red-Tailed Hawk, Northern Harrier, Western Meadowlark, and Yellow-Billed Magpie, not to mention ducks, herons, egrets, and cranes. Guided wetlands tours are offered the second Saturday of each month, weather dependent.
But birds aren’t the only creatures drawn to the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area. Plenty of other creatures can be spotted here as well, including rabbits, otters, beavers, and coyotes. It’s also home to bats, and every summer, colonies of Mexican free-tailed bats take up residence under the Yolo Causeway. Guided bat talks are held each summer as well.
The Sacramento Bypass Wildlife Area/ Road 124
In West Sacramento, the Sacramento Bypass Wildlife Area connects the Sacramento River with the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area. It is an important cover and feeding area for wildlife during late fall, winter, and early spring, with cottonwood trees, willows, and valley oaks. Common birds spotted here include game birds such as pheasant and dove, raptors, and songbirds. It’s also a popular spot for hunting and fishing. Warblers, blackbirds, and swallows are common, as are geese and ducks.
Davis Wetlands
The 400 acres of restored land that make up the Davis Wetlands aim to bring back the habitat that was seasonally flooded by the Sacramento River and its tributaries. Marshlands surrounded the city for most of the year, serving as key wintering spots for migrating waterfowl. Levees changed all that, but the aim of the project is to restore the area with reclaimed wastewater. Birds spotted here include cranes, herons, egrets, cormorants and plenty of hawks, woodpeckers, blackbirds, and warblers.
Putah Creek Riparian Reserve
Managed by U.C. Davis, the Putah Creek Riparian Reserve is a 640-acre natural ecosystem, with two main access points: Pedrick Road and Old Pedrick Road. The public portion of the creek is along the north bank; the south bank is private property. Part of the reserve is set aside as habitat for Swainson’s Hawk and Burrowing Owls, but other species are commonly spotted here too, including ibis, cormorant, herons, and egrets. There are plenty of non-winged animals to view as well, such as frogs, turtles, rabbit, and fox.
Grasslands Regional Park
Just south of the city of Davis, Grasslands Regional Park is a 320-acre expanse of wild landscape that has been restored with native plants and vernal pools. Burrowing owls, Swainson’s Hawks and other rare birds call the park home. Cranes, woodpeckers and herons can also be found here. Guided tours of the vernal pools are also available each spring and there’s a 1.25-mile loops trail through the park.
Babel Slough
Located near the Sacramento River between West Sacramento and Clarksburg off South River Road, Babel Slough is one of the best spots in the area for bird watching. The riparian corridor lies along a quiet, tree-lined levee road flanked by fields. The area is a haven for migrating birds, including flycatchers, buntings, and grosbeaks, as well as geese, ducks, and many other species.
Cache Creek Canyon Regional Park
North of Rumsey along Highway 16 is Cache Creek Regional Park, with more than 600 acres of natural wild habitat. Oak woodlands, grassland meadows, pine, and cottonwoods attract a variety of wildlife, including birds. There are several day use areas and a campground. Common sightings include swallows, quail, warblers, and woodpeckers, as well as the occasional Bald Eagle. The area near Road 40/Rayhouse Road is a pine-oak woodland that attracts large numbers of migrant songbirds in the spring.
A jaunt into nature is beneficial any time of year, but for bird lovers, it’s especially rewarding in the winter when birds are plentiful. Yolo County attracts hundreds of species of birds, so no matter where you go, you’re bound to find a great site. Those who want to plan a weekend around it can even take advantage of Yolo County lodging specials.
