BIRDING THE AMERICAN RIVER PARKWAY
Sacramento County

Discovery Park

This park is located at the mouth of the American River that flows out of the Sacramento River just north of downtown Sacramento. Discovery Park is at the westernmost end of the 23-mile long parkway. The habitat includes riparian, oak woodland, grassy fields, and a large man-made
pond.

My favorite spot in this area is Uruttia Pond which is just east and downstream of the park. The pond can be viewed from the bicycle path. Birds that can be found on the pond include the following: Double-crested Cormorant, Greater White-fronted Geese (very rare), Ruddy Duck, Bufflehead, and gulls. This pond has potential for other waterfowl and possibly shorebirds on the fringe.

Another area to bird is the grassy fields adjacent to the archery range. Lazuli Buntings have been in this area in the Spring and Summer, but are rare. A Sew-whet Owl was in this area one winter years ago.

Directions: To reach Discovery Park: Take I-5 north past downtown Sacramento and take the Richards Blvd. offramp. Take Richards Blvd. west to Jibboom Street, and follow the signs to the park. There is a entrance fee. Click here for map.

Note: This park sometimes get flooded completely in the late winter and early Spring.

Doug Shaw
whimbrel@pacbell.net