Birds of the Cosumnes River

The Cosumnes River Preserve is a haven for birdlife, attracting more than 250 species throughout the year. As part of the Pacific Flyway, the Preserve provides critical resting and feeding grounds for migratory birds traveling thousands of miles between breeding and wintering areas.

In the fall and winter, the skies and fields come alive with the calls of sandhill cranes, a signature species of the Preserve. You may also spot flocks of greater white-fronted geese, tundra swans, and northern pintails gathering in the wetlands. Year-round residents like great egrets, black phoebes, red-shouldered hawks, and acorn woodpeckers add to the diversity.

In the riparian forests along the river, keep an eye out for yellow warblers, tree swallows, and the occasional belted kingfisher perched over the water. The Preserve’s mosaic of habitats — wetlands, oak woodlands, sloughs, and grasslands — makes it one of the best birding destinations in the Central Valley.

Whether you’re a seasoned birder with binoculars in hand or a first-time visitor simply enjoying the sights and sounds, the birds of the Cosumnes River are sure to leave a lasting impression.