Vesper Sparrows and Lawrences Goldfinches have been seen along this stretch. The Garden Highway is a narrow levee road, so caution is advised when driving. Granite Construction Company and a very large commercial parking area will be on your left, behind a cyclone fence. There is a $6 parking fee, or your Sac County Park Pass works here. Directions: From Sacramento, exit Highway 50 at Howe Avenue (5.3 miles east of Interstate 5) and head south to Folsom Boulevard. Birding the site: From the parking lot, walk around the gate to Sorento Road and head south. Park (there is free, short-term parking at Riverboat Marina/Delta Boat Works, but beware of paid-only parking near the boat launches) and check the trees. The road on the south side of the site is flooded during the winter. In the warmer months, beware that wasps are sometimes living in the gates. is 3.4 miles south on Highway 160. Plus use our free tools to find new customers. There are expansive views of the broad San Joaquin River, though few legitimate places to park, and landowners in the area have been known to confront birders who stop and get out of their cars (no parking signs abound). Go east on Twin Cities Road for one mile to Franklin Boulevard. If you have any questions about this paddling location or have other relevant information that would be helpful to other paddlers, please add them as comments below for the entire community! A $60 annual vehicle pass (also valid for the American River Parkway and other Sacramento County parks) can be purchased from the Sacramento County Department of Parks and Recreation. Birding the Site: If you have never been to Hansen Ranch, you are in for a treat. Follow this road until it dead ends at Latrobe Road, where you can continue into the next section. The Sacramento Valley Conservancy spearheaded a multi-partner effort to purchase 4,000 acres through which Latrobe Road travelsDeer Creek Hills. The grasslands in this areaoften host Ferruginous Hawks. The diversity hosts a nice variety of birds such as ducks, herons, passerines and sparrows, with unexpected species always a possibility. A scope may be beneficial in scanning the surrounding fields and ponds. Directions: From I-80, take Truxel Road exit #88 and go north. Along Bruceville Road, the large microwave tower often serves as a lookout for a Peregrine Falcon. Follow the wide dirt path around the wetland in either directionthe total distance is about 1.5 miles on flat terrain. You may also find Ruby-crowned Kinglets, Golden-crowned Kinglets (rare), White breasted Nuthatches, Bushtits, Brown Creepers (rare), Bewicks Wrens, and Oak Titmouse. Mountain Bluebirds (rare) have been found in the open country along with winter raptors. Directions: From Sacramento, exit Highway 50 at Howe Avenue (5.3 miles east of Interstate 5) and head south to Folsom Boulevard. At the rocky canyon area at mile 0.4, it is always worth getting out of the car and looking around. Continue another 0.8 mile and turn left on Latrobe Road. To learn more about the accessibility of this location visit Accessible Birding. Directions: From Highway 99 south, exit at Elk Grove Boulevard (exit 286). The bird list currently stands at 244 species. Burrowing Owls have been found beneath the bridges. Bring repellent. There are up to four Swainsons Hawk nests each yearand Blue Grosbeaks are a conspicuous nesting species. Cross the bridge and park on the far side. Highway 99, heading north from Interstate 5, also intersects these roads. Spring wildflowers are a highlight not to be missed. Sacramento Audubon Society, P.O. Although there are No Parking signs along both sides of Kelton, on the north end of the road where the signs have not yet begun, there is space on both sides for several cars between the signs and the end of Kelton. In 6.8 miles, the Garden Highway reaches Power Line Road. * $5.00 per vehicle Go right or west under Interstate 5. The entrance gate is locked every night. Birding the site: The area adjacent to the river has the most to offer. Great place to bring the family, lots of shaded. Mountain lions have been reported on several occasions. In 2005-2008, three or more Common Nighthawks were regularly seen during spring and summer at dusk about three miles from Dillard Road. When there is open water there, you may find American Coots and ducks. Lewiss Woodpeckers are often present near this junction and near the second creek crossing, though their numbers vary widely from year to year. Birding the site: The open country is good for raptors and sparrows in winter. Bird-focused tours are also offered on occasion with the Sacramento Audubon Society, check out our Calendar of Events for upcoming tours. Make sure your information is up to date.

Note: In spring and summer, mosquitoes can be abundant and aggressive. After 3.3 miles the road becomes dirt at the junction with Stone House Road, which makes a 90-degree bend here, requiring caution to cross it. Follow the road south under the highway for 2.9 miles. Another open country gem, a drive along Meiss Road can produce winter raptors and a species mix similar to Scott Road. Shortly, the blue oak woodland gives way to open grassland. Watch for traffic. Near the second creek crossing, look for raised areas to the east of the road that might harbor Burrowing Owls. At the end of the bridge, turn left following the bike path until it forks. If very lucky, you could find Band-tailed Pigeons, a Hairy Woodpecker, Stellers Jays, a Greater Roadrunner, or a Northern Pygmy-Owl. In high water, the stream flows over the road. Is there a problem with information on this location? There can be thousands of waterfowl, and many raptors, shorebirds, sparrows, and blackbirds (including Yellow-headed and Tricolored). Lawrences Goldfinches occur here irregularly in winter, but typically breed in the area in low numbers. The road will climb onto the levee, becoming Sherman Island East Levee Rd, and will make a 10-mile loop back to Highway 160 near the drawbridge. At mile 8.0, you reach the other Latrobe Road; the name changes are a source of much confusion. Ducks and Canada Geese are often on the river. From here, continue 3 miles northeast to the Greenback Ln/Elkhorn Blvd Exit. To reach Sherman Island, head west on Highway 12. Of note, the southeastern area of marsh has been a regular nesting site for Yellow-headed Blackbird, although in recent years there has been a decline in their numbers, possibly due to the increasing population of nesting Great-tailed Grackles. Since 1990, over 250 acres of riparian forest and associated woodlands have been planted with 31,000 trees and shrubs, 115 acres of grasslands have been seeded with native species, and over 300 acres of wetlands are managed for waterfowl and other waterbirds. There is a large parking lot and restrooms. Along the way and at the park, there are good views of the Sacramento River. Turn right on Watt and drive north about 2 miles to Elverta Rd. Back at mile 4.0, a right turn onto Michigan Bar Road will take you over the Cosumnes River and toward Highway 16 (Jackson Highway). The best birding is in winter and spring. Winter visitors regularly include Ring-necked Duck, Canvasback and Mallard. We use the latest and greatest technology available to provide the best possible web experience.Please enable JavaScript in your browser settings to continue. Other Delta islands are also worth exploring.Birding the site: A good place to check on the way to Sherman Island is Korths Marina (aka Pirates Lair Marina) on Brannan Island Road. Prairie Falcons and White-tailed Kites are seen on most trips. The Cosumnes River is the last free-flowing river coming out of the west slope of the Sierra.

Several species of eastern warblers have been found along the trail, including Prothonotary and Black-throated Blue Warbler. There are a few small creeks that normally dry up in the summer. After a left turn and another eight miles, you will reach El Dorado Hills and Highway 50. Copyright 2022 VerticalScope Inc. All rights reserved. They can be combined into a full day of birding, or taken in sections as time allows. The trails are open from sunrise to sunset, though there is limited parking when the visitor center parking lot gates are closed. Less commonly, you may encounter a Phainopepla. The first creek crossing can usually be negotiated by a passenger car. Heading south on the trail, you will find a dense riparian corridor of huge old oaks, sycamores, and a variety of stream-side bushes, especially poison oak! was found there in October 1990. From Eddo's, you can walk up or down the little traveled levee road. Situated between housing on the north and south, this trail meanders along the creek and marshy areas and is bordered by urban plantings including many oaks.

At the park, there are patches of riparian scrub, accessed by mowed paths, that once hosted Yellow-breasted Chats, but they have been mostly absent in recent years (campers feed dozens of feral cats and racoons). With luck, a Green Heron may be hunting near the reeds. Continue south on East Levee Road to Elkhorn Boulevard. Acorn Woodpeckers are generally common along the entire route, but Nuttalls and Downy Woodpeckers are also often seen. In April 2021, a Common Poorwill was photographed near the trail. * $10.00 Vehicle + Trailer or Oversized vehicle (over 22 feet) The area by the first bridge should also be watched for Rock Wrens, California and Spotted Towhees. From here drive 0.80 miles east, then turn left onto Porto Rosa Drive. It is worthy of a visit in just about any season, though things are slower in June and July. If you still feel like exploring, head east on Dillard Road beyond the preserve. Continuing south on Highway 160, and crossing a drawbridge, it is 6.5 miles south of Highway 12 (and 3.1 miles south of the entrance to the Brannan Island State Recreation Area) to West Sherman Island Road. See the following section for more details. The River Walk begins at the visitor center by crossing Willow Slough on a substantial foot bridge. A leisurely walk on the levee above the pond in both directions shows the preserve's many unique qualities. Restrooms are available in the parking lot. For more information, call the preserve hotline (916-684-2816) or visit their website. Check the fields and the abandoned railroad culverts for Burrowing Owls. Hooded Orioles may be around the palm trees in spring and summer. As you travel through the rice fields, be on the lookout for Black Terns. Determined efforts to preserve open space in the southeastern county are vital if we are to continue enjoying these wonderful birding areas. Turn left and drive west 0 .7 miles to the Park entrance on your right. Directions: From downtown Sacramento, head easterly on either I-80 or Bus. Highways 12 and 160 are very busy, but most of the other roads described have modest to little traffic. Drive 1.2 miles north on Michigan Bar Road to the Cosumnes River. In addition to an equestrian center, there are large expanses of mowed grass and several playground areas.

Learn more about the Refuge at U.S. Department of Fish and Wildlife website. In appropriate seasons, Northern Flickers, Acorn, Downy and Nuttalls Woodpeckers are present along with an occasional Red-breasted Sapsucker and more common residents. Mammals spotted include river otters, muskrats and coyotes. A Tropical Kingbird frequented a stretch of the East Levee Rd farther upstream during the winter of 2019-20.Directions: From Sacramento, head south on Interstate 5 for 32 miles to Highway 12. Turn left (west) on Elkhorn and drive west for about 3 miles to Watt Ave. Walking past the south end of the wetland you will eventually see the continuation of Steelhead Creek on your left, heading toward Sorento Road and the parking area. Continue on the Delta Loop toward Highway 160. You might notice several oryx on your right at the animal sanctuary. Western Tanager, Black-throated Gray Warbler, Orange-crowned Warbler and Yellow Warbler can be seen during spring and fall migration. Perhaps you will be the first person in over 50 years to report a breeding pair in Sacramento County. Don't miss this turn because there isn't another safe place to turn around before reaching the Antioch Bridge (requiring a toll to cross). Rice fields and canals attract many different species, including Black- crowned Night-Heron, Green Heron, Black-necked Stilt, American Avocet, White-faced Ibis, Double-crested Cormorant, Cinnamon Teal, Pied-billed Grebe, Long-billed Curlew, American Coot and Common Gallinule. There are a few dirt pullouts, and a large paved pullout 2.0 miles from White Rock Road. Foursquare 2022 Lovingly made in NYC, CHI, SEA & LA, "Trails around the park is perfect for running. A third creek crossing is a little rougher than the first, but usually poses no serious obstacle. Olive-sided Flycatchers and Warbling Vireo have been spotted here, in the late spring. to 6 p.m. With a mix of blue oak woodland, savanna, and expansive grasslands, a trip along Latrobe Road has a diversity of habitats and is one of the few areas in Sacramento County to have a real sense of remoteness. There are few places to pull completely off the road, but since there is very little traffic, it is usually safe to get out of your car. In winter, several species of raptors, including falcons, are also possibilities along with herons, egrets, and waterfowl and shorebirds. The trees around the campground may harbor interesting migrants or wintering birds. Owling attempts may be rewarded with Lesser Nighthawks, Common Poorwill, Western Screech-Owls, and Great Horned Owls.

There is currently a fee of $6 per vehicle. Turn right and head south until the road dead ends at White Rock Road. Unfortunately, the trail does not reach east into the oakwoodlands, but it is good to know that this habitat has been protected from development. Directions: Exit Highway 50 at Sunrise Boulevard (14 miles from downtown Sacramento at Interstate 5) and go south for 3.8 miles. The main attraction for most birders is the chance to see winter raptors and Lewiss Woodpeckers in a relatively natural setting. Checking the open fields to the west may yield Western Bluebirds, Killdeers, Wild Turkeys, American Pipits and Meadowlarks. Several rarities have been found here in recent years including a Vermilion Flycatcher and on another occasion, a Clay-colored Sparrow. The trail is a seven-mile loop. Tricolored Blackbirds have been known to nest near the East Levee Road just south of Riego Road. From Folsom Boulevard, it is 13.8 miles to Dillard Road. Continuing north on the trail, you can cross Franklin Boulevard and loop back to the visitor center via the foot bridge or keep going on the River Walk. This trail is at its best during spring and fall migration with large numbers of sparrows, warblers and kinglets in the canopy and on the ground. The road is muddy after a rain and often has large puddles, but is usually passable.

The Natomas area extends from the confluence of the Sacramento and American Rivers to the Sutter County line, and from the Sacramento River to the Natomas East Main Drainage Canal (changed back to its original name of Steelhead Creek). Birding the site: From the entrance kiosk, where a Sage Thrasher was found in October 2004, continue to the reservoir. Wrentits call from the underbrush, and in spring and summer the songs of Bewicks Wrens, House Wrens, and Spotted Towhees fill the air.

Turn right on Douglas Road, drive 1.0 mile, turn left on Eagles Nest Road for 0.2 mile, then turn left into the park. The park is open year-round from 7a.m. Scan every flock, as they travel with Brewers Blackbirds and Red-winged Blackbirds. At the stop sign, go south for 1.7 miles, and the visitor center will be on your left. Follow it northerly for 0.5 miles to Jack Hill Park and the parking area. The old headstones are interesting, and this is a good area to scan the grasslands well away from the road, with its sparse but often speeding traffic. Typical foothill species such as Western Bluebirds, Lark Sparrows, and Lesser Goldfinches abound. Help the community if you have information to share! Swainsons Hawks are present from April through September and are best observed while on the Garden Highway from North Bayou Way to Elverta Road. It was along this section that the Central Valleysfirst Cassins Sparrow was found.

Special thanks to SAFCA for their help in writing this guide to Wolf Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary. The cattails and tules host rails and gallinules, and you can get another view into the marsh by taking the road just outside the entrance of the county park south toward a private marina where you can turn around. At mile 6.0 you reach pavement and the advance of development which may continue to sprawl all the way to the county line. Turn left on Natomas Crossing Drive, then left on Bilsted Way to the large parking lot. Vast grassland expanses and rolling hills provide excellent opportunities to look for Ferruginous Hawks, Prairie Falcons, and other winter raptors. Turn left (east) on White Rock Road, and continue to Scott Road and turn right (south). Very limited parking. Note: Scott Road and White Rock Road are experiencing increasingly heavy traffic, so use caution and pull completely off the road when parking. At the junction at mile 4.0, Michigan Bar Road heads to the right (see the next section). The most direct route is to go north on Interstate 5 from downtown Sacramento (2.8 miles from Highway 50) and exit at the Garden Highway (the first exit after crossing the American River). Desmond Road is excellent for waterfowl and crane viewing. The park is open year-round from sunrise to sunset. Directions: Head east on Highway 50 to Prairie City Road exit (21 miles from downtown Sacramento at Interstate 5). Fishing is permitted in the lake which supports gulls, cormorants and assorted ducks and geese. Within the first mile, much of the species diversity is encountered, so if you have a passenger car and can only access this section, it is still worth a visit.