This area is under-birded and has a lot of potential. Continuing north on the trail, you can cross Franklin Boulevard and loop back to the visitor center via the foot bridge or keep going on the River Walk. Follow it northerly for 0.5 miles to Jack Hill Park and the parking area. Desmond Road is excellent for waterfowl and crane viewing. Great Egrets, Great Blue Herons, Greater Yellowlegs, Killdeer and Wilsons Snipe are seen often. Be sure to follow state and county COVID guidelines when visiting any of these birding locations. Ticks can also be numerous if you leave the trail. The park itself is mostly mowed grass with a large playground, but a wide variety of grassland species including Killdeer, Meadowlarks, Ring-necked Pheasants, Turkeys and Savannah Sparrows are possible. In the winter look for Double-crested Cormorant, Canvasback, Northern Shoveler, Cinnamon Teal, and other waterfowl. This site is an Accessible Birding location. From the entrance gate, drive 1.5 miles to where the road dead ends in a large parking lot. Turn right on East Levee Road and stop where it is safe to view waterfowl, shorebirds and waders in Steelhead Creek. * $5.00 per vehicle
Turkey and coyote might be present strolling across the grasslands. Drive 1.2 miles north on Michigan Bar Road to the Cosumnes River. Watch for traffic. Great-tailed Grackles are a possibility here in spring and summer. A $60 annual vehicle pass (also valid for the American River Parkway and other Sacramento County parks) can be purchased from the Sacramento County Department of Parks and Recreation. The preserve is designated as a Globally Important Bird Area, and 300 species have been recorded, including many rarities. If you look closely in the trees and shrubs, you may also see warblers, kinglets, hummingbirds, and perhaps a Downy Woodpecker or two. Sandhill Cranes (late September to early March) are often fairly close to the trail. Swamp Sparrows (very rare) have been found here and elsewhere on the wetland edges. In the warmer months, beware that wasps are sometimes living in the gates. Foursquare 2022 Lovingly made in NYC, CHI, SEA & LA, "Trails around the park is perfect for running. At 2.4 miles, the blue oaks give way to open country with a species mix like that described for Scott Road. When the Sacramento Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant was constructed in 1978, 2,650 acres were set aside to buffer the surrounding community from odors, noise, and industrial activities related to wastewater treatment. Lewiss Woodpeckers are often present near this junction and near the second creek crossing, though their numbers vary widely from year to year. Fishing is permitted in the lake which supports gulls, cormorants and assorted ducks and geese. Bring repellent. The trail will lead you under railroad tracks, through an open section, then close to the river in a forest of medium-sized valley oaks. There is a $6 parking fee, or your Sac County Park Pass works here. Olive-sided Flycatchers and Warbling Vireo have been spotted here, in the late spring. Turn left on Michigan Bar Road (after passing through Rancho Murieta, 6.3 miles east of Dillard Road). Unfortunately, the trail does not reach east into the oakwoodlands, but it is good to know that this habitat has been protected from development. The Sacramento Valley Conservancy spearheaded a multi-partner effort to purchase 4,000 acres through which Latrobe Road travelsDeer Creek Hills. Be careful and know your cars limits; walking is also an option. Take the left path and continue along the paved trail as long as you wish. In April 2021, a Common Poorwill was photographed near the trail. There is often an active heron rookery starting in late winter. Continuing straight, you travel through similar open country and cross shortly into El Dorado County on a rough and sometimes muddy route. At mile 8.0, you reach the other Latrobe Road; the name changes are a source of much confusion.
Directions: Access 1: From downtown Sacramento (5.3 miles east of Interstate 5), exit Highway 50 at Howe Avenue and head south to Folsom Boulevard. It has the potential to serve as a migrant trap, since the surrounding habitat is open grassland. From Eddo's, you can walk up or down the little traveled levee road.
Even if the birding is slow, the scenery makes the trip worthwhile. Directions: From Sacramento, take Highway 99 south of Highway 50/Capital City Freeway for 20 miles to the Twin Cities Road/Highway 104 exit. The description above begins with the dirt road (at the junction with Stone House Road) 0.1 mile east of the Scott Road junction. Special thanks to SAFCA for their help in writing this guide to Wolf Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary. Perhaps you will be the first person in over 50 years to report a breeding pair in Sacramento County. Very limited parking. At the park, there are patches of riparian scrub, accessed by mowed paths, that once hosted Yellow-breasted Chats, but they have been mostly absent in recent years (campers feed dozens of feral cats and racoons). An American Dipper (very rare) has been found here as well, and Lawrences Goldfinches are sometimes present. Turn right on Dillard Road, go 1.4 miles to Meiss Road and turn left. For an introduction to the preserves avifauna, you can join one of the monthly bird surveys. The riparian area along the Garden Highway is rife with Oak Titmouse, Downy Woodpecker, and Nuttalls Woodpecker year-round, and migrant warblers, Western Tanagers, and other songbirds in spring and fall. ", "Great place for your kids to play, playground, soccer field and the church next door has an open skate park.". As the trail reaches the Cosumnes River, it comes to a nice patch of mature valley oaks. A wide swath of the lower floodplain and surrounding habitat is preserved within the more than 45,000-acre Cosumnes River Project south of Elk Grove. Directions: From Highway 99 south, exit at Elk Grove Boulevard (exit 286). On your right, Steelhead Creek parallels Sorento Road. Continue on the Delta Loop toward Highway 160. Highway 99, heading north from Interstate 5, also intersects these roads. Birding the Site: The best birding is along Dry Creek. Note: In spring and summer, mosquitoes can be abundant and aggressive. Brannan Island State Recreation Area ($10--they don't accept the State Parks annual pass because it is run by a concession; restrooms.) For more information, check SMUD. Horned Lark flocks have contained longspurs. Several species of eastern warblers have been found along the trail, including Prothonotary and Black-throated Blue Warbler. This is excellent habitat for rails and they can be heard regularly as you walk along the marsh. Parking fees are collected 365 days per year: This 355-acre regional park has many options for recreation including great birding. Birding the site: The open country is good for raptors and sparrows in winter. The Bufferlands is an island of open space between South Sacramento and Elk Grove, situated between Interstate 5 and Franklin Boulevard, and north of Laguna Boulevard, with an additional 160 acres west of Interstate 5 and adjacent to Stone Lakes National Wildlife Refuge. Also, due to its remoteness, Latrobe Road often serves as an illegal dumping ground and as an occasional shooting gallery. In spring and summer, Blue Grosbeaks (uncommon) sit up and sing from the low vegetation. Begin the next tour by heading west on White Rock Road for 2.5 miles from Payen Road, and then heading south on Scott Road. Caution is always advised and going with a friend is wise. From Folsom Boulevard, it is 13.8 miles to Dillard Road. If you have recommended changes for a location, please email them to the Webmaster. is 3.4 miles south on Highway 160. To learn more about the accessibility of this location visit Accessible Birding. Access may change over time. In 0.4 mile youmight want to check the small cemetery on the north side of Arno Road. Determined efforts to preserve open space in the southeastern county are vital if we are to continue enjoying these wonderful birding areas. Take the Highway 99/Highway 70 exit (exit 525B) toward Marysville/Yuba City. At the stop sign, go south for 1.7 miles, and the visitor center will be on your left. Turn left (east) on White Rock Road, and continue to Scott Road and turn right (south). This trail is at its best during spring and fall migration with large numbers of sparrows, warblers and kinglets in the canopy and on the ground. Dairies along this and other roads in the area can hostlarge flocks of blackbirds, including Tricolored Blackbirds. Shop REI's Massive Sale to Gear Up for All of Your Summer Paddling Trips. If you skip the Delta Loop, Highway 160 is 15 miles west of Interstate 5 via Highway 12. Be sure to close any gates you have to open on the trail, since cattle are grazing there from fall through spring.
We use the latest and greatest technology available to provide the best possible web experience.Please enable JavaScript in your browser settings to continue. Back at mile 4.0, a right turn onto Michigan Bar Road will take you over the Cosumnes River and toward Highway 16 (Jackson Highway). After a left turn and another eight miles, you will reach El Dorado Hills and Highway 50. Parking in front of the homes on Porta Rosa may result in your car being towed. Continue another 0.8 mile and turn left on Latrobe Road. Currently there is no unguided public access, but information on the numerous public tours can be found on their calendar webpage. The most direct route is to go north on Interstate 5 from downtown Sacramento (2.8 miles from Highway 50) and exit at the Garden Highway (the first exit after crossing the American River). Presently, the entrance is on the west side of the lake and is known as the Mather Regional Park, which is managed by the County of Sacramento. Cross the bridge and park on the far side. There are a few dirt pullouts, and a large paved pullout 2.0 miles from White Rock Road. The trees around the campground may harbor interesting migrants or wintering birds. Learn to get back on your kayak BEFORE YOU FLIP. The second crossing, at mile 1.0, is often flooded, but usually passable in a vehicle with moderate clearance and a driver with a little courage. Birding the site: From the parking lot, walk around the gate to Sorento Road and head south. Plus use our free tools to find new customers. If the parking lot is not open, park on the non-residential side of Porta Rosa Drive. Directions: Head east on Highway 50 to Prairie City Road exit (21 miles from downtown Sacramento at Interstate 5). Several rarities have been found here in recent years including a Vermilion Flycatcher and on another occasion, a Clay-colored Sparrow. There are expansive views of the broad San Joaquin River, though few legitimate places to park, and landowners in the area have been known to confront birders who stop and get out of their cars (no parking signs abound). In 1997, SAFCA planted the site with wetland plants, native riparian shrubs and trees. Take the first right after passing the two towers and head to the entrance kiosk (currently a $12 fee). From Folsom Boulevard, it is 13.8 miles to Dillard Road. Allens Hummingbird, Image by Daniel Brown. You will receive email notification of birding and conservation issues that affect local wildlife. There can be thousands of waterfowl, and many raptors, shorebirds, sparrows, and blackbirds (including Yellow-headed and Tricolored). Birding the site: The area adjacent to the river has the most to offer.
Wolf Ranch, formally open pasture in Rio Linda, was purchased by the Sacramento Area Flood Control Agency (SAFCA), and used as a borrow pit and source of fill for the North Area Local Project Levee improvements. In winter, Merlins, American Kestrels, Rough legged, Red- shouldered, Sharp-shinned, Coopers and Ferruginous hawks are occasionally seen, as are Golden and Bald eagles. If you go straight ahead, Latrobe Road changes to South Shingle Road (the signs are often down or shot). Dry Creek runs year-round and may produce herons, egrets and with certainty, Mallards. Also keep an eye on the telephone poles and fence posts for Red-tailed Hawks, American Kestrels, and Loggerhead Shrikes. Park (there is free, short-term parking at Riverboat Marina/Delta Boat Works, but beware of paid-only parking near the boat launches) and check the trees. Restrooms are available in the parking lot.
To reach the campground and day use area, drive across the dam. Turn left (west) on Elkhorn and drive west for about 3 miles to Watt Ave. There are up to four Swainsons Hawk nests each yearand Blue Grosbeaks are a conspicuous nesting species. Walking past the south end of the wetland you will eventually see the continuation of Steelhead Creek on your left, heading toward Sorento Road and the parking area. The grasslands in this areaoften host Ferruginous Hawks. Heading north, Power Line Road crosses Elkhorn Boulevard, Elverta Road, and Riego Road. Parking is limited, but check the San Joaquin River where you can. In early spring, there is a wonderful wildflower show, and Horned Larks and Western Meadowlarks are in full songin spring Western Meadowlarks perform flight songs with extra flourishes to their already spectacular song.
Continue south on East Levee Road to Elkhorn Boulevard. Despite its excellent track record, the preserve is under-birded. You may be able to find Brown-headed Cowbirds, Tricolored Blackbirds, and, rarely, Yellow-headed Blackbirds among the abundant Red-winged Blackbirds and Brewers Blackbirds. You will see a sign for the Walter S. Ueda Parkway in the parking lot.
Within the first mile, much of the species diversity is encountered, so if you have a passenger car and can only access this section, it is still worth a visit. Parking here is an issue. At mile 4.1 you reach the junction with Latrobe Road described in the previous section. Surprise finds have included Brant, Tufted Duck, Long-tailed Duck, White-winged Scoter, Ruff, Brown Pelican, Tropical and Cassin's kingbirds, and Common Grackle.
A careful inspection of this area may yieldan American Bittern or other wading bird species. Granite Construction Company and a very large commercial parking area will be on your left, behind a cyclone fence. Backtracking to Highway 160, turn right (south) on 160, and then turn left on Sherman Island Cross Road, which is 1.5 miles south of West Sherman Island Road.
Lawrences Goldfinches occur here irregularly in winter, but typically breed in the area in low numbers. After 8.0 miles, turn left on Latrobe Road. This has been the most dependable site for Lewiss Woodpeckers in recent years. Go east on Highway 104 for 12 miles to Rancho Seco Park. Of note, the southeastern area of marsh has been a regular nesting site for Yellow-headed Blackbird, although in recent years there has been a decline in their numbers, possibly due to the increasing population of nesting Great-tailed Grackles. Follow the wide dirt path around the wetland in either directionthe total distance is about 1.5 miles on flat terrain. Tricolored Blackbirds have been known to nest near the East Levee Road just south of Riego Road. The old headstones are interesting, and this is a good area to scan the grasslands well away from the road, with its sparse but often speeding traffic. They are often heard singing in the grasslands, and are sometimes seen sitting on the fence or up on the vegetation. The bridge provides an excellent vantage point for seeing songbirds in the adjacent riparian vegetation. Some of Sacramento Countys infrequent reports of Hairy Woodpeckers, Stellers Jays, and Band-tailed Pigeons (all rare) are from here. Docent-led walks are offered by the Sacramento Valley Conservancy, and a public access planisindevelopment. In appropriate seasons, Northern Flickers, Acorn, Downy and Nuttalls Woodpeckers are present along with an occasional Red-breasted Sapsucker and more common residents. Birding the Site: If you have never been to Hansen Ranch, you are in for a treat. After about 1.5 miles, youll reach Camden Lake, crossing under Elk Grove Florin Road and Bond Road. Note: Scott Road and White Rock Road are experiencing increasingly heavy traffic, so use caution and pull completely off the road when parking. Ferruginous Hawks and other winter raptors may be present. There is a large parking lot and restrooms. No information on Parking & Fees has been added yet for this paddling location. Highlights include thousands of waterfowl, with Canvasback numbers that have topped 15,000. Directions: From Sacramento, drive south on I-5 for 16 miles to Exit 504, Hood-Franklin Road. There is currently a fee of $6 per vehicle. Love it here! Directions: From Sacramento, exit Highway 50 at Howe Avenue (5.3 miles east of Interstate 5) and head south to Folsom Boulevard. In the evenings in summer you may see Lesser Nighthawks foraging over the lake. Several small stands of Milkweed have attracted migrating Monarch Butterflies. This is one of the best places inSacramento County for Rock Wrens and Rufous-crowned Sparrows away from Folsom Lake. This area is known as the Point and has produced many of the preserves interesting records. Check the trees for migrants or wintering birds as well as the marsh vegetation for rails, etc. A third creek crossing is a little rougher than the first, but usually poses no serious obstacle.
Large rafts of ducks on the Sacramento and, especially, the San Joaquin rivers often include good numbers of Greater Scaup (rare farther inland) and near annual reports of Surf Scoters. Birding the site: This route starts at the mostly well-graded dirt road at Latrobe Roadsjunctionwith Stone House Road. Rancho Seco is 55 minutes southeast of downtown Sacramento. It is a working cattle ranch that was purchased by the Nature Conservancy in 1999 as part of the Cosumnes River Preserve Project and sold to a rancher with a conservation easement precluding development. To explore the Valensin portion of the preserve to the east of Highway 99, take Twin Cities Road six miles east of Bruceville Road and go north on Highway 99 for two miles to Arno Road. Red-tailed Hawks, Northern Harriers, American Kestrels, and Turkey Vultures are common. There are few places to pull completely off the road, but since there is very little traffic, it is usually safe to get out of your car. Raptors common to the area are Red-tailed Hawks, Red-shouldered Hawks, American Kestrels, White-tailed Kites and Northern Harriers. Keep an eye on the grasslands and agricultural lands for raptors, cranes, and Long-billed Curlews. Checking the open fields to the west may yield Western Bluebirds, Killdeers, Wild Turkeys, American Pipits and Meadowlarks. Although there are No Parking signs along both sides of Kelton, on the north end of the road where the signs have not yet begun, there is space on both sides for several cars between the signs and the end of Kelton. In January, various species of waterfowl, along with hawks and falcons, could be present.
Look for woodpeckers among the oaks.
It also provides the only public access to the Howard Rancha 12,000-acre preserve of grasslands, vernal pools, and oak woodlands. Since 1990, over 250 acres of riparian forest and associated woodlands have been planted with 31,000 trees and shrubs, 115 acres of grasslands have been seeded with native species, and over 300 acres of wetlands are managed for waterfowl and other waterbirds. Along Bruceville Road, the large microwave tower often serves as a lookout for a Peregrine Falcon. The Cosumnes River is the last free-flowing river coming out of the west slope of the Sierra. The visitor center has informative displays, maps, bird lists, and trail guides available. For more information, call the preserve hotline (916-684-2816) or visit their website. Another open country gem, a drive along Meiss Road can produce winter raptors and a species mix similar to Scott Road. Turn left and drive east 1.2 miles, and immediately after Placerville Rd goes to the left (north), turn right (south) on Payen Rd. was found there in October 1990.
Turn left and drive west 0 .7 miles to the Park entrance on your right.
The trail makes a partial loop through grassland and oak savanna, and then backtracks to the visitor center. From mid-October through March, a Prairie Falcon is often present along the road and Ferruginous Hawks may be sitting on the hillsides to the south. The Rancho Seco Recreational Area consists of a reservoir lined with riparian vegetation and a campground and day use area with planted trees and lawn. At the end of the bridge, turn left following the bike path until it forks. As you travel through the rice fields, be on the lookout for Black Terns. Acorn Woodpeckers are generally common along the entire route, but Nuttalls and Downy Woodpeckers are also often seen. A leisurely walk on the levee above the pond in both directions shows the preserve's many unique qualities. Directions: From I-80, take Truxel Road exit #88 and go north. At the southeast corner of the intersection, you reach the gravel parking lot for the Ueda Parkway (see Wolf Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary, Ueda Parkway). Exit and head east on Arno Road. Birding the site: From the entrance kiosk, where a Sage Thrasher was found in October 2004, continue to the reservoir. It's everywhere. * $10.00 Vehicle + Trailer or Oversized vehicle (over 22 feet) Follow this road until it dead ends at Latrobe Road, where you can continue into the next section. On the east side of the slough, the wetlands provide good views of waterfowl and other waterbirds. The fields often host Black-bellied Plovers and Long-billed Curlews. Adapted from the Sacramento Audubon Society's book titled "Birding in the Sacramento Region" published in 2008, updated in 2021. In winter, Savannah Sparrows are fairly common. The road will climb onto the levee, becoming Sherman Island East Levee Rd, and will make a 10-mile loop back to Highway 160 near the drawbridge. The most reliable area for Grasshopper Sparrows has been around six miles from Dillard Road. Much of the trail goes through open grassland, so bird diversity is low. From here drive 0.80 miles east, then turn left onto Porto Rosa Drive. See the following section for more details. In another 1.2 miles, turn left to stayon Arno Road. Access 2: From the Prairie City Road Exit off of Highway 50 (21 miles from downtown Sacramento at Interstate 5), head south until the road dead ends at White Rock Road. It was along this section that the Central Valleysfirst Cassins Sparrow was found. From the bridge you can look and listen for a Hairy Woodpecker or Stellers Jay in and around the trees above the residence, which is on the south side. The trail is a seven-mile loop. Shortly, the blue oak woodland gives way to open grassland.
Follow the road south under the highway for 2.9 miles. Over the years, rarities have included American Golden-Plover, Ruff, nesting Least Terns, Blackburnian Warbler, Canada Warbler, and Indigo Bunting.
Directions: Access 1: From downtown Sacramento (5.3 miles east of Interstate 5), exit Highway 50 at Howe Avenue and head south to Folsom Boulevard. It has the potential to serve as a migrant trap, since the surrounding habitat is open grassland. From Eddo's, you can walk up or down the little traveled levee road.
Even if the birding is slow, the scenery makes the trip worthwhile. Directions: From Sacramento, take Highway 99 south of Highway 50/Capital City Freeway for 20 miles to the Twin Cities Road/Highway 104 exit. The description above begins with the dirt road (at the junction with Stone House Road) 0.1 mile east of the Scott Road junction. Special thanks to SAFCA for their help in writing this guide to Wolf Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary. Perhaps you will be the first person in over 50 years to report a breeding pair in Sacramento County. Very limited parking. At the park, there are patches of riparian scrub, accessed by mowed paths, that once hosted Yellow-breasted Chats, but they have been mostly absent in recent years (campers feed dozens of feral cats and racoons). An American Dipper (very rare) has been found here as well, and Lawrences Goldfinches are sometimes present. Turn right on Dillard Road, go 1.4 miles to Meiss Road and turn left. For an introduction to the preserves avifauna, you can join one of the monthly bird surveys. The riparian area along the Garden Highway is rife with Oak Titmouse, Downy Woodpecker, and Nuttalls Woodpecker year-round, and migrant warblers, Western Tanagers, and other songbirds in spring and fall. ", "Great place for your kids to play, playground, soccer field and the church next door has an open skate park.". As the trail reaches the Cosumnes River, it comes to a nice patch of mature valley oaks. A wide swath of the lower floodplain and surrounding habitat is preserved within the more than 45,000-acre Cosumnes River Project south of Elk Grove. Directions: From Highway 99 south, exit at Elk Grove Boulevard (exit 286). On your right, Steelhead Creek parallels Sorento Road. Continue on the Delta Loop toward Highway 160. Highway 99, heading north from Interstate 5, also intersects these roads. Birding the Site: The best birding is along Dry Creek. Note: In spring and summer, mosquitoes can be abundant and aggressive. Brannan Island State Recreation Area ($10--they don't accept the State Parks annual pass because it is run by a concession; restrooms.) For more information, check SMUD. Horned Lark flocks have contained longspurs. Several species of eastern warblers have been found along the trail, including Prothonotary and Black-throated Blue Warbler. This is excellent habitat for rails and they can be heard regularly as you walk along the marsh. Parking fees are collected 365 days per year: This 355-acre regional park has many options for recreation including great birding. Birding the site: The open country is good for raptors and sparrows in winter. The Bufferlands is an island of open space between South Sacramento and Elk Grove, situated between Interstate 5 and Franklin Boulevard, and north of Laguna Boulevard, with an additional 160 acres west of Interstate 5 and adjacent to Stone Lakes National Wildlife Refuge. Also, due to its remoteness, Latrobe Road often serves as an illegal dumping ground and as an occasional shooting gallery. In spring and summer, Blue Grosbeaks (uncommon) sit up and sing from the low vegetation. Begin the next tour by heading west on White Rock Road for 2.5 miles from Payen Road, and then heading south on Scott Road. Caution is always advised and going with a friend is wise. From Folsom Boulevard, it is 13.8 miles to Dillard Road. If you have recommended changes for a location, please email them to the Webmaster. is 3.4 miles south on Highway 160. To learn more about the accessibility of this location visit Accessible Birding. Access may change over time. In 0.4 mile youmight want to check the small cemetery on the north side of Arno Road. Determined efforts to preserve open space in the southeastern county are vital if we are to continue enjoying these wonderful birding areas. Take the Highway 99/Highway 70 exit (exit 525B) toward Marysville/Yuba City. At the stop sign, go south for 1.7 miles, and the visitor center will be on your left. Turn left (east) on White Rock Road, and continue to Scott Road and turn right (south). This trail is at its best during spring and fall migration with large numbers of sparrows, warblers and kinglets in the canopy and on the ground. Dairies along this and other roads in the area can hostlarge flocks of blackbirds, including Tricolored Blackbirds. Shop REI's Massive Sale to Gear Up for All of Your Summer Paddling Trips. If you skip the Delta Loop, Highway 160 is 15 miles west of Interstate 5 via Highway 12. Be sure to close any gates you have to open on the trail, since cattle are grazing there from fall through spring.
We use the latest and greatest technology available to provide the best possible web experience.Please enable JavaScript in your browser settings to continue. Back at mile 4.0, a right turn onto Michigan Bar Road will take you over the Cosumnes River and toward Highway 16 (Jackson Highway). After a left turn and another eight miles, you will reach El Dorado Hills and Highway 50. Parking in front of the homes on Porta Rosa may result in your car being towed. Continue another 0.8 mile and turn left on Latrobe Road. Currently there is no unguided public access, but information on the numerous public tours can be found on their calendar webpage. The most direct route is to go north on Interstate 5 from downtown Sacramento (2.8 miles from Highway 50) and exit at the Garden Highway (the first exit after crossing the American River). Presently, the entrance is on the west side of the lake and is known as the Mather Regional Park, which is managed by the County of Sacramento. Cross the bridge and park on the far side. There are a few dirt pullouts, and a large paved pullout 2.0 miles from White Rock Road. The trees around the campground may harbor interesting migrants or wintering birds. Learn to get back on your kayak BEFORE YOU FLIP. The second crossing, at mile 1.0, is often flooded, but usually passable in a vehicle with moderate clearance and a driver with a little courage. Birding the site: From the parking lot, walk around the gate to Sorento Road and head south. Plus use our free tools to find new customers. If the parking lot is not open, park on the non-residential side of Porta Rosa Drive. Directions: Head east on Highway 50 to Prairie City Road exit (21 miles from downtown Sacramento at Interstate 5). Several rarities have been found here in recent years including a Vermilion Flycatcher and on another occasion, a Clay-colored Sparrow. There are expansive views of the broad San Joaquin River, though few legitimate places to park, and landowners in the area have been known to confront birders who stop and get out of their cars (no parking signs abound). In 1997, SAFCA planted the site with wetland plants, native riparian shrubs and trees. Take the first right after passing the two towers and head to the entrance kiosk (currently a $12 fee). From Folsom Boulevard, it is 13.8 miles to Dillard Road. Allens Hummingbird, Image by Daniel Brown. You will receive email notification of birding and conservation issues that affect local wildlife. There can be thousands of waterfowl, and many raptors, shorebirds, sparrows, and blackbirds (including Yellow-headed and Tricolored). Birding the site: The area adjacent to the river has the most to offer.
Wolf Ranch, formally open pasture in Rio Linda, was purchased by the Sacramento Area Flood Control Agency (SAFCA), and used as a borrow pit and source of fill for the North Area Local Project Levee improvements. In winter, Merlins, American Kestrels, Rough legged, Red- shouldered, Sharp-shinned, Coopers and Ferruginous hawks are occasionally seen, as are Golden and Bald eagles. If you go straight ahead, Latrobe Road changes to South Shingle Road (the signs are often down or shot). Dry Creek runs year-round and may produce herons, egrets and with certainty, Mallards. Also keep an eye on the telephone poles and fence posts for Red-tailed Hawks, American Kestrels, and Loggerhead Shrikes. Park (there is free, short-term parking at Riverboat Marina/Delta Boat Works, but beware of paid-only parking near the boat launches) and check the trees. Restrooms are available in the parking lot.
To reach the campground and day use area, drive across the dam. Turn left (west) on Elkhorn and drive west for about 3 miles to Watt Ave. There are up to four Swainsons Hawk nests each yearand Blue Grosbeaks are a conspicuous nesting species. Walking past the south end of the wetland you will eventually see the continuation of Steelhead Creek on your left, heading toward Sorento Road and the parking area. The grasslands in this areaoften host Ferruginous Hawks. Heading north, Power Line Road crosses Elkhorn Boulevard, Elverta Road, and Riego Road. Parking is limited, but check the San Joaquin River where you can. In early spring, there is a wonderful wildflower show, and Horned Larks and Western Meadowlarks are in full songin spring Western Meadowlarks perform flight songs with extra flourishes to their already spectacular song.
Continue south on East Levee Road to Elkhorn Boulevard. Despite its excellent track record, the preserve is under-birded. You may be able to find Brown-headed Cowbirds, Tricolored Blackbirds, and, rarely, Yellow-headed Blackbirds among the abundant Red-winged Blackbirds and Brewers Blackbirds. You will see a sign for the Walter S. Ueda Parkway in the parking lot.
Within the first mile, much of the species diversity is encountered, so if you have a passenger car and can only access this section, it is still worth a visit. Parking here is an issue. At mile 4.1 you reach the junction with Latrobe Road described in the previous section. Surprise finds have included Brant, Tufted Duck, Long-tailed Duck, White-winged Scoter, Ruff, Brown Pelican, Tropical and Cassin's kingbirds, and Common Grackle.
A careful inspection of this area may yieldan American Bittern or other wading bird species. Granite Construction Company and a very large commercial parking area will be on your left, behind a cyclone fence. Backtracking to Highway 160, turn right (south) on 160, and then turn left on Sherman Island Cross Road, which is 1.5 miles south of West Sherman Island Road.
Lawrences Goldfinches occur here irregularly in winter, but typically breed in the area in low numbers. After 8.0 miles, turn left on Latrobe Road. This has been the most dependable site for Lewiss Woodpeckers in recent years. Go east on Highway 104 for 12 miles to Rancho Seco Park. Of note, the southeastern area of marsh has been a regular nesting site for Yellow-headed Blackbird, although in recent years there has been a decline in their numbers, possibly due to the increasing population of nesting Great-tailed Grackles. Follow the wide dirt path around the wetland in either directionthe total distance is about 1.5 miles on flat terrain. Tricolored Blackbirds have been known to nest near the East Levee Road just south of Riego Road. The old headstones are interesting, and this is a good area to scan the grasslands well away from the road, with its sparse but often speeding traffic. They are often heard singing in the grasslands, and are sometimes seen sitting on the fence or up on the vegetation. The bridge provides an excellent vantage point for seeing songbirds in the adjacent riparian vegetation. Some of Sacramento Countys infrequent reports of Hairy Woodpeckers, Stellers Jays, and Band-tailed Pigeons (all rare) are from here. Docent-led walks are offered by the Sacramento Valley Conservancy, and a public access planisindevelopment. In appropriate seasons, Northern Flickers, Acorn, Downy and Nuttalls Woodpeckers are present along with an occasional Red-breasted Sapsucker and more common residents. Birding the Site: If you have never been to Hansen Ranch, you are in for a treat. After about 1.5 miles, youll reach Camden Lake, crossing under Elk Grove Florin Road and Bond Road. Note: Scott Road and White Rock Road are experiencing increasingly heavy traffic, so use caution and pull completely off the road when parking. Ferruginous Hawks and other winter raptors may be present. There is a large parking lot and restrooms. No information on Parking & Fees has been added yet for this paddling location. Highlights include thousands of waterfowl, with Canvasback numbers that have topped 15,000. Directions: From Sacramento, drive south on I-5 for 16 miles to Exit 504, Hood-Franklin Road. There is currently a fee of $6 per vehicle. Love it here! Directions: From Sacramento, exit Highway 50 at Howe Avenue (5.3 miles east of Interstate 5) and head south to Folsom Boulevard. In the evenings in summer you may see Lesser Nighthawks foraging over the lake. Several small stands of Milkweed have attracted migrating Monarch Butterflies. This is one of the best places inSacramento County for Rock Wrens and Rufous-crowned Sparrows away from Folsom Lake. This area is known as the Point and has produced many of the preserves interesting records. Check the trees for migrants or wintering birds as well as the marsh vegetation for rails, etc. A third creek crossing is a little rougher than the first, but usually poses no serious obstacle.
Large rafts of ducks on the Sacramento and, especially, the San Joaquin rivers often include good numbers of Greater Scaup (rare farther inland) and near annual reports of Surf Scoters. Birding the site: This route starts at the mostly well-graded dirt road at Latrobe Roadsjunctionwith Stone House Road. Rancho Seco is 55 minutes southeast of downtown Sacramento. It is a working cattle ranch that was purchased by the Nature Conservancy in 1999 as part of the Cosumnes River Preserve Project and sold to a rancher with a conservation easement precluding development. To explore the Valensin portion of the preserve to the east of Highway 99, take Twin Cities Road six miles east of Bruceville Road and go north on Highway 99 for two miles to Arno Road. Red-tailed Hawks, Northern Harriers, American Kestrels, and Turkey Vultures are common. There are few places to pull completely off the road, but since there is very little traffic, it is usually safe to get out of your car. Raptors common to the area are Red-tailed Hawks, Red-shouldered Hawks, American Kestrels, White-tailed Kites and Northern Harriers. Keep an eye on the grasslands and agricultural lands for raptors, cranes, and Long-billed Curlews. Checking the open fields to the west may yield Western Bluebirds, Killdeers, Wild Turkeys, American Pipits and Meadowlarks. Although there are No Parking signs along both sides of Kelton, on the north end of the road where the signs have not yet begun, there is space on both sides for several cars between the signs and the end of Kelton. In January, various species of waterfowl, along with hawks and falcons, could be present.
Look for woodpeckers among the oaks.
It also provides the only public access to the Howard Rancha 12,000-acre preserve of grasslands, vernal pools, and oak woodlands. Since 1990, over 250 acres of riparian forest and associated woodlands have been planted with 31,000 trees and shrubs, 115 acres of grasslands have been seeded with native species, and over 300 acres of wetlands are managed for waterfowl and other waterbirds. Along Bruceville Road, the large microwave tower often serves as a lookout for a Peregrine Falcon. The Cosumnes River is the last free-flowing river coming out of the west slope of the Sierra. The visitor center has informative displays, maps, bird lists, and trail guides available. For more information, call the preserve hotline (916-684-2816) or visit their website. Another open country gem, a drive along Meiss Road can produce winter raptors and a species mix similar to Scott Road. Turn left and drive east 1.2 miles, and immediately after Placerville Rd goes to the left (north), turn right (south) on Payen Rd. was found there in October 1990.
Turn left and drive west 0 .7 miles to the Park entrance on your right.
The trail makes a partial loop through grassland and oak savanna, and then backtracks to the visitor center. From mid-October through March, a Prairie Falcon is often present along the road and Ferruginous Hawks may be sitting on the hillsides to the south. The Rancho Seco Recreational Area consists of a reservoir lined with riparian vegetation and a campground and day use area with planted trees and lawn. At the end of the bridge, turn left following the bike path until it forks. As you travel through the rice fields, be on the lookout for Black Terns. Acorn Woodpeckers are generally common along the entire route, but Nuttalls and Downy Woodpeckers are also often seen. A leisurely walk on the levee above the pond in both directions shows the preserve's many unique qualities. Directions: From I-80, take Truxel Road exit #88 and go north. At the southeast corner of the intersection, you reach the gravel parking lot for the Ueda Parkway (see Wolf Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary, Ueda Parkway). Exit and head east on Arno Road. Birding the site: From the entrance kiosk, where a Sage Thrasher was found in October 2004, continue to the reservoir. It's everywhere. * $10.00 Vehicle + Trailer or Oversized vehicle (over 22 feet) Follow this road until it dead ends at Latrobe Road, where you can continue into the next section. On the east side of the slough, the wetlands provide good views of waterfowl and other waterbirds. The fields often host Black-bellied Plovers and Long-billed Curlews. Adapted from the Sacramento Audubon Society's book titled "Birding in the Sacramento Region" published in 2008, updated in 2021. In winter, Savannah Sparrows are fairly common. The road will climb onto the levee, becoming Sherman Island East Levee Rd, and will make a 10-mile loop back to Highway 160 near the drawbridge. The most reliable area for Grasshopper Sparrows has been around six miles from Dillard Road. Much of the trail goes through open grassland, so bird diversity is low. From here drive 0.80 miles east, then turn left onto Porto Rosa Drive. See the following section for more details. In another 1.2 miles, turn left to stayon Arno Road. Access 2: From the Prairie City Road Exit off of Highway 50 (21 miles from downtown Sacramento at Interstate 5), head south until the road dead ends at White Rock Road. It was along this section that the Central Valleysfirst Cassins Sparrow was found. From the bridge you can look and listen for a Hairy Woodpecker or Stellers Jay in and around the trees above the residence, which is on the south side. The trail is a seven-mile loop. Shortly, the blue oak woodland gives way to open grassland.
Follow the road south under the highway for 2.9 miles. Over the years, rarities have included American Golden-Plover, Ruff, nesting Least Terns, Blackburnian Warbler, Canada Warbler, and Indigo Bunting.