It’s an exciting time of year for wildlife enthusiasts in Northern California! A variety of migratory birds are making their way through the Golden State right now and they are settling into the plethora of wildlife refuges that they come across. All in all, one billion birds will make their way south on what’s known as the Pacific Flyway which stretches from Alaska all the way to Patagonia. It’s a show unlike any other on earth. Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge alone has already seen an estimated of one million birds, making this the perfect time to plan a visit.
Every year as winter weather starts to hit Canada, thousands upon thousands of migratory birds begin to make their way south. Passing right through various regions of Northern California, the sight of these birds is something you won't soon forget.
The winter bird migration can be observed from a myriad of wildlife refuges, parks, and preserves located around the state. However, Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge is an especially notable place to spot birds—especially since they already estimate that up to a million waterfowl have arrived this year.
In fact, it's not uncommon to see up to 1.5 million waterfowl at the Sacramento NWR complex as the migration continues through November. In all, roughly 3 million waterfowl will settle into the Central Valley during winter. That's definitely a lot of birds!
If you visit Sacramento NWR today, you'll likely spot a variety of stunning birds that have recently arrived from the north. These species of birds include pintail ducks, white-fronted geese, shovelers, and snow geese. Simply put, it's paradise for bird watchers.
The Sacramento complex is a wonderful spot to immerse yourself in natural beauty for a few hours. They boast miles of trails through a variety of habitats, viewing areas and platforms for photography, and a Visitor Center for learning more about the region.
However, the 6-mile Auto Tour is one of the most popular ways of exploring the refuge. It begins at the Visitor Center and leads you through wetlands, grasslands, vernal pools, and a riparian area. It provides the perfect opportunity for viewing birds and other wildlife.
Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge is an excellent destination for wildlife enthusiasts no matter what time of year it is. However, with millions of birds flying through our state right now, there's truly no time like the present to check this place out!
