Babel Slough

California · Southwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Babel Slough is a productive birding destination in California, with 219 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Mourning Dove, Turkey Vulture, and Red-tailed Hawk 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

Ruff

Calidris pugnax

3/5/2026Cosumnes River Preserve1 observed

Hooded Oriole

Icterus cucullatus

3/5/2026MY PIT (for BIG SIT DATA)1 observed

Western Sandpiper

Calidris mauri

3/4/2026Bruceville Road2 observed

Tropical Kingbird

Tyrannus melancholicus

3/3/2026Bridgeway Island Pond1 observed

Orchard Oriole

Icterus spurius

3/2/2026Courtland Bottlebrush-Washington Ave1 observed

Least Bittern

Botaurus exilis

3/2/2026Davis Wetlands1 observed

Sage Thrasher

Oreoscoptes montanus

3/1/2026stakeout Sage Thrasher--CR104 south (YOL Co.) (2026)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

12/25/2026

Turkey Vulture

32/25/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

12/25/2026

Great Horned Owl

22/25/2026

Nuttall's Woodpecker

12/25/2026

Northern Flicker

22/25/2026

California Scrub-Jay

22/25/2026

Oak Titmouse

12/25/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

42/25/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

22/25/2026

European Starling

32/25/2026

Spotted Towhee

62/25/2026

Snow Goose

1852/23/2026

Ross's Goose

12/23/2026

Greater White-fronted Goose

572/23/2026

Canada Goose

82/23/2026

Wood Duck

122/23/2026

Mallard

22/23/2026

Common Merganser

42/23/2026

Wild Turkey

72/23/2026

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Babel Slough for birding?
The best months to visit Babel Slough for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Babel Slough?
Notable species at Babel Slough include Mourning Dove, Turkey Vulture, Red-tailed Hawk, Great Horned Owl, Nuttall's Woodpecker. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Babel Slough?
Birding at Babel Slough is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Babel Slough?
Babel Slough offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.