Putah Creek Riparian Reserve

California · Southwest

Habitat
River/Riparian
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open daily, sunrise to sunset

About This Location

Putah Creek Riparian Reserve is a productive birding destination in California, with 227 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian habitat attracts Wood Duck, Anna's Hummingbird, and Double-crested Cormorant 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

Steller's Jay

Cyanocitta stelleri

3/5/2026Putah Creek--Fishing Access #1 (YOL Co.)1 observed

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

Stelgidopteryx serripennis

3/4/2026Lake Solano County Park (SOL Co.)3 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

Glaucous Gull

Larus hyperboreus

3/1/2026Area Surrounding the Hay Street Landfill 5065–5069 Rio Dixon Rd, Dixon US-CA (38.3006,-121.8236)1 observed

Iceland Gull (kumlieni)

Larus glaucoides

3/1/2026CR104--Ponds1 observed

Western x Glaucous-winged Gull (hybrid)

Larus occidentalis x glaucescens

3/1/2026CR104--Ponds1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Wood Duck

23/3/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

33/3/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

13/3/2026

Turkey Vulture

23/3/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

23/3/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

23/3/2026

American Barn Owl

13/3/2026

Great Horned Owl

23/3/2026

Downy Woodpecker

53/3/2026

Nuttall's Woodpecker

63/3/2026

Northern Flicker

23/3/2026

Black Phoebe

63/3/2026

California Scrub-Jay

53/3/2026

Yellow-billed Magpie

33/3/2026

American Crow

13/3/2026

Common Raven

23/3/2026

Tree Swallow

303/3/2026

Cliff Swallow

13/3/2026

Bushtit

83/3/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

103/3/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Walk along the water slowly, scanning overhanging branches for kingfishers and warblers.

  2. 2

    Check sandbars and gravel bars for shorebirds and terns.

  3. 3

    Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.

  4. 4

    Arrive early in the morning for peak bird activity and to secure parking at popular viewing areas.

  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 Putah Creek Riparian Reserve for birding?
The best months to visit Putah Creek Riparian Reserve for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Putah Creek Riparian Reserve?
Notable species at Putah Creek Riparian Reserve include Wood Duck, Anna's Hummingbird, Double-crested Cormorant, Turkey Vulture, Red-shouldered Hawk, Mallard, White-throated Swift, Nuttall's Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, California Scrub-Jay, American Crow, Bushtit. The area supports river/riparian habitats.
How difficult is birding at Putah Creek Riparian Reserve?
Birding at Putah Creek Riparian Reserve is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Putah Creek Riparian Reserve?
There is no entrance fee at Putah Creek Riparian Reserve. Hours: Open daily, sunrise to sunset.
What amenities are available at Putah Creek Riparian Reserve?
Putah Creek Riparian Reserve offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.