The Birding Hub
The Birding Hub

Russ Ranch Wetlands

California · Southwest

ModerateView on eBird
Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Russ Ranch Wetlands is a productive birding destination in California, with 245 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Cinnamon Teal, Northern Shoveler, and Gadwall among many others. The unique desert and riparian habitats support specialty species alongside wintering and migrating birds.

Location

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Notable Species

Cinnamon TealNorthern ShovelerGadwallAmerican WigeonMallard

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

California Towhee

Melozone crissalis

3/6/2026Eel River--Fortuna riverfront2 observed

Red-winged Blackbird (California Bicolored)

Agelaius phoeniceus

3/6/2026Humboldt Bay NWR--Salmon Creek Unit1 observed

Rough-legged Hawk

Buteo lagopus

3/5/2026333-399 Sub Station Road, Ferndale, California, US (40.606, -124.208)1 observed

Barrow's Goldeneye

Bucephala islandica

3/3/2026Ferndale Bottoms--Goble Lane east of Sage rd.1 observed

Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)

Colaptes auratus

3/3/2026Irving Home1 observed

Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted x Red-shafted)

Colaptes auratus

3/1/2026Table Bluff--Phelan rd.1 observed

Tropical Kingbird

Tyrannus melancholicus

3/1/2026Loleta Bottoms--O'Neil Dairy1 observed

Common x Barrow's Goldeneye (hybrid)

Bucephala clangula x islandica

3/1/2026BAGO pond

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Start birding at dawn when desert birds are most active before the heat.

  2. 2

    Check around water sources, which concentrate desert species.

  3. 3

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

Amenities

Parking
Trails

More in California

Salton Sea

Desert oasis lake critical for Pacific Flyway shorebirds despite environmental challenges.

Point Reyes National Seashore

Pacific Coast peninsula with 490+ species and a magnet for rare vagrants.

Mono Lake

Ancient saline lake with millions of migratory birds and surreal tufa towers.

Birding Guides

The Ultimate Guide to Fall Bird Migration: Hawks, Sparrows, and Confusing Plumages

10 min read

Understanding Bird Migration: When, Where, and Why Birds Migrate

12 min read

Spring Birding in New York City: The Complete Urban Migration Guide

12 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Russ Ranch Wetlands for birding?▼
The best months to visit Russ Ranch Wetlands for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Russ Ranch Wetlands?▼
Notable species at Russ Ranch Wetlands include Cinnamon Teal, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, American Wigeon, Mallard. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at Russ Ranch Wetlands?▼
Birding at Russ Ranch Wetlands is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Russ Ranch Wetlands?▼
Russ Ranch Wetlands offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.