How to see birds in the Central Valley
There are numerous public wetlands and riverside forests spread throughout the Central Valley. These areas are open to the public for wildlife viewing, birdwatching, hiking, boating, hunting, fishing, and other outdoor recreation. Scroll down for a partial list of National Wildlife Refuges, State Wildlife Areas, and other public lands in the Central Valley.
David Kalb
Mike Peters
Birding in the Central Valley
For highlights of birds you might see here in the Central Valley, and to find birding resources, events, and other information at the Central Valley Bird Club website, including a printable checklist of Birds of the Central Valley. The California Birds Records Committee regularly updates an official checklist of California birds.
Mike Peters
Hunting in the Central Valley
Hunters play a critical role in conserving wetlands. Learn more about the importance of hunting and hunting clubs for conservation, how to learn hunting skills, and where to go hunting in the Central Valley from CVJV partner the California Waterfowl Association.
Public lands in the Central Valley
The best way to see birds and other wildlife in our region is to get outside! Listed here are areas that are open to the public where you can engage with birds and nature in a variety of ways. Make sure to read about what types of activities are available at each location, opening hours, and other information before heading out.
- Sacramento Region: Butte Basin:
- Gray Lodge Wildlife Area
- Upper Butte Basin Wildlife Area
- Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge Complex, Butte Sink Unit and Llano Seco Unit
- Sacramento Region: Colusa Basin:
- Sacramento Region: Sutter Basin:
- Yolo-Delta Region: Yolo Basin:
- Yolo Delta Region: Delta Basin:
- Suisun Region: Grizzly Island Wildlife Area
- San Joaquin Region:
- Tulare Region:
