Paynes Creek Wetland including Bass Pond

California · Southwest

Habitat
WetlandLakeRiver/Riparian
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Paynes Creek Wetland including Bass Pond is a productive birding destination in California, with 208 species recorded on eBird. This wetland and lake habitat attracts Canada Goose, Wood Duck, and Bufflehead 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

Rufous-crowned Sparrow

Aimophila ruficeps

2/28/2026Hogsback Saddle2 observed

California Thrasher

Toxostoma redivivum

2/23/202621790 Wilcox Rd, Red Bluff US-CA 40.20284, -122.226221 observed

California Gull

Larus californicus

2/23/2026Raley’s Parking Lot, Red Bluff US-CA50 observed

American Goshawk

Astur atricapillus

2/21/2026St Marys Ave1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

53/2/2026

Wood Duck

33/2/2026

Bufflehead

13/2/2026

Common Goldeneye

93/2/2026

Hooded Merganser

43/2/2026

Virginia Rail

43/2/2026

Sora

23/2/2026

Common Gallinule

33/2/2026

Wilson's Snipe

63/2/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

33/2/2026

Great Egret

13/2/2026

Great Blue Heron

43/2/2026

Turkey Vulture

83/2/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

13/2/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

13/2/2026

Belted Kingfisher

13/2/2026

Acorn Woodpecker

43/2/2026

Nuttall's Woodpecker

13/2/2026

California Scrub-Jay

33/2/2026

Common Raven

13/2/2026

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 Paynes Creek Wetland including Bass Pond for birding?
The best months to visit Paynes Creek Wetland including Bass Pond for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Paynes Creek Wetland including Bass Pond?
Notable species at Paynes Creek Wetland including Bass Pond include Canada Goose, Wood Duck, Bufflehead, Common Goldeneye, Hooded Merganser. The area supports wetland, lake, river/riparian habitats.
How difficult is birding at Paynes Creek Wetland including Bass Pond?
Birding at Paynes Creek Wetland including Bass Pond is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Paynes Creek Wetland including Bass Pond?
Paynes Creek Wetland including Bass Pond offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.