Valley Ford Wetlands

California · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Valley Ford Wetlands is a productive birding destination in California, with 209 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and California Quail 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

Black-headed Grosbeak

Pheucticus melanocephalus

3/6/2026Howard Street, Santa Rosa US-CA (38.4488,-122.7142)1 observed

Chipping Sparrow

Spizella passerina

3/6/2026West County Regional Trail - Ross Station Rd to Green Valley Rd2 observed

Northern Yellow Warbler

Setophaga aestiva

3/4/2026Penry Park1 observed

Swamp Sparrow

Melospiza georgiana

3/2/202672 E Washington St, Petaluma US-CA 38.23583, -122.638171 observed

Common Black x Red-shouldered Hawk (hybrid)

Buteogallus anthracinus x Buteo lineatus

2/27/2026Santa Rosa Creek Trail and Delta Pond (west of Willowside Rd)1 observed

Loggerhead Shrike

Lanius ludovicianus

2/25/2026185 Carmody Road, Petaluma, California, US (38.272, -122.843)1 observed

Tennessee Warbler

Leiothlypis peregrina

2/25/2026Bodega Bay--Diekman's Store area1 observed

American Dipper

Cinclus mexicanus

2/23/2026Armstrong Redwoods SP1 observed

Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle x Audubon's)

Setophaga coronata

2/23/2026Bloomfield (Town)1 observed

Vega Gull

Larus vegae

2/23/2026Jenner Beach1 observed

Nashville Warbler

Leiothlypis ruficapilla

2/21/2026Bodega Bay--Diekman's Store area1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

92/23/2026

Mallard

22/23/2026

California Quail

42/23/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

52/23/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

32/23/2026

Killdeer

22/23/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

82/23/2026

Great Egret

32/23/2026

Turkey Vulture

32/23/2026

Downy Woodpecker

12/23/2026

American Kestrel

22/23/2026

Black Phoebe

112/23/2026

American Crow

22/23/2026

Chestnut-backed Chickadee

12/23/2026

Tree Swallow

382/23/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

12/23/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

62/23/2026

Northern House Wren

12/23/2026

Marsh Wren

42/23/2026

Bewick's Wren

22/23/2026

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Valley Ford Wetlands for birding?
The best months to visit Valley Ford Wetlands for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Valley Ford Wetlands?
Notable species at Valley Ford Wetlands include Canada Goose, Mallard, California Quail, Eurasian Collared-Dove, Anna's Hummingbird. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at Valley Ford Wetlands?
Birding at Valley Ford Wetlands is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Valley Ford Wetlands?
Valley Ford Wetlands offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.