A Spring Birding Walk at the San Joaquin River National Wildlife Refuge

A few days ago, I wrote about the many natural wonders found at the San Joaquin River National Wildlife Refuge, from mighty oaks and delicate wildflowers, to endangered insects and mammals, and California's only species of turtle!  But the Central Valley's largest block of restored riparian is also home to a wide array of my favorite winged wonders: birds.

For many of us, birds are the main draw to wild places like the San Joaquin River National Wildlife Refuge.  While river otters are certainly cute and butterflies are beautiful, it is the mystery and accessibility of birds that keep us coming back time and time again, earning the title "birders."  

A walk along the level, looping, four-mile Pelican Nature Trail (click here for a map) affords birders of all ages and skill levels the chance to pass through various habitats and encounter a wide array of birds.  Visit several times a year, from the foggy depths of winter to the golden sunshine of summer, and you will be treated to the full spectrum of avian life that depends on this special place.

Beginning with a walk through the low-lying wetland area near the trailhead, keep your ears open!  Nesting Marsh Wrens fill the reeds with their buzzing, insect-like calls as males perch in the tules and defend their territory.  Also listen for the distinct songs of the hyperactive-sounding House Wren and more mellow Bewick's Wren as you make your way along the trail.

Marsh Wren

Wetlands provide habitat for an abundance of overwintering waterfowl, most notably several species of geese, more than a dozen species of duck and thousands of Sandhill Cranes.  White-faced Ibis, Black-necked Stilt, Greater Yellowlegs and American Avocet tend to stick around all year when water is present.  

American Avocet

In the skies, Tree Swallows, Cliff Swallows, Northern Rough-winged Swallows, and maybe even a few Violet-green Swallows swoop and dive as they chase after flying insects that so love the damp wetland conditions.  Watch the nest boxes in the field closely; at this time of year, they are occupied by nesting Tree Swallows!

Tree Swallow

Chest out and head thrown back in song is a common pose for male birds of many species this time of year.  As a result, the riparian forests of willow, poplar and oak are absolutely alive with birdsong!  Stop along the path, under a dense canopy, and listen.  With several species serenading simultaneously, birders are afforded an excellent opportunity to practice birding by ear.  A springtime birding walk is an exciting auditory experience when you learn to recognize various calls: a Black-headed Grosbeak's slurred song (a little like a drunken robin) from somewhere above, a Common Yellowthroat's rollicking wichity-wichity-wichity in the reeds off to the left, the ringing call of a Spotted Towhee coming from a dense willow, the bouncing-ball song of a Wrentit concealed in thick chaparral.

Spotted Towhee

Another songster of the chaparral, the California Thrasher, may be spotted singing atop a wild rose or scurrying along the gravel path into the protective cover of coyote brush.  Keep an eye out along the trail edge for California Quail and California Towhee as well.

California Thrasher

Stop and scan the trees for small, often overlooked birds, like warblers, vireos and flycatchers.  Brilliantly colored Yellow, Wilson's, Townsend's and Nashville Warblers all might be seen at this time of year, along with diminutive Warbling Vireos, Cassin's Vireos and, in very rare cases, the endangered Least Bell's Vireo.  Flycatchers tend to be a little more conspicuous, perching in the open and sallying out to snag flying insects.  Watch for migrating Western Wood-pewees, Olive-sided Flycatchers and Ash-throated Flycatchers, along with larger Western Kingbirds and our familiar Black Phoebe.

Ash-throated Flycatcher

As you walk the back section of the trail along the river, watch for Belted Kingfishers, Green Herons, American Bitterns and Wood Ducks.  Be sure to check out the rookery trees across the river; during the spring, they are filled with nesting Great Blue Herons and Great Egrets, adorning the same grove of oak trees year after year like a bunch of gangly Christmas ornaments.

A rookery tree along the river, filled with nesting Great Egrets and Great Blue Herons (and one Double-crested Cormorant)

Watch overhead for long-winged Swainson's Hawks, and as the light fades, listen for the call of Great Horned Owls.  Stake out the non-native tree tobacco growing along the trail for hummingbirds, most notably Anna's, Black-chinned and, during migration, Rufous Hummingbirds.

Black-chinned Hummingbird

Birding is a rewarding pursuit for all, from the casual observer to the dedicated lister.  It affords the opportunity for taking in some fresh air and exercise, often along with beautiful scenery and the chance to meet other birders.  If you can't make it out to the San Joaquin River NWR, check eBird for the location of birding hotspots near you, grab a pair of binoculars and head outside this spring to see what you can find!

Happy birding!