Birds, birds everywhere. Whether you’re a newbie, hobbyist, or a full-fledged experienced birder, the rich ecological diversity found in Nevada County makes our historic towns and trails a bird-watching paradise in Northern California.
An Old Hobby Becomes A New Sensation
Photo by: Lazy Fox Photography
In recent years, birding has become an overnight sensation among audiences young and old. Watching beautiful birds in their natural habitats is an instant stress reliever and deeply satisfying. This form of recreation is accessible to people of all abilities and backgrounds. Once you have basic gear like an identification book or smartphone app and a pair of binoculars, you are ready to hit the trail.
Look Up And Notice The World
From the lower-elevation oak woodlands and foothills to the soaring crest of the Sierra Nevada, visitors looking for feathered friends won’t be disappointed. A well-prepared pack will enhance your hours of enjoyment in nature.
Where To Start
Whether you’re ready to go solo or venture out with a guided group, we’ve put together a starter resource list below with beginner-friendly locations. Feel free to explore on your own—any green space or open water source can be a great birding spot. Use virtual maps to pinpoint locations and plan your itinerary. And remember, always pack out what you pack in!
Did you know? Nevada County is home to four State Parks, all considered wonderful birding destinations. Want to avoid the crowds? Check out our list of winter hikes or explore the beginner-friendly bird-watching locales below.
Grass Valley
Condon Park
If you are looking to grab a quick hour of bird identification before breakfast, head to Condon Park. This urban park is easily accessible from downtown Grass Valley and offers a surprising variety of bird species.
What You’ll See
Look for sparrows, towhees, Bullock’s Oriole, Wilson’s Warblers, and Western Tanagers along the path and near the cattail-lined pond. Black Phoebes and Western Bluebirds favor open areas, while Cedar Waxwings can be found in the treetops. The wooded trails through the disc golf course are home to woodpeckers and Northern Flickers. Be mindful of flying discs!
Visit Bear Yuba Land Trust for a map
Smartsville
Black Swan
Black Swan, similar to Hirschman’s Pond, is a remnant of hydraulic mining, now reclaimed by nature. The landscape features a towering cliff above a groundwater-fed pond with lush riparian vegetation.
What You’ll See
Expect to find ducks, including Hooded Merganser and Bufflehead in winter, and Wood Duck, Mallard, and Canada Goose year-round. Green Herons nest along the shoreline, while Belted Kingfishers and Northern Rough-winged Swallows make their homes in the cliffside holes.
Visit Bear Yuba Land Trust for a map
Penn Valley
Western Gateway Park
Photo by: Lazy Fox Photography
This 88-acre park along Squirrel Creek offers bocce ball, picnic areas, and one of the best disc golf courses in Northern California. The oak-studded landscape makes it a prime spot for early morning migratory bird walks.
What You’ll See
Birds include Bullock’s Oriole, Western Kingbird, Olive-Sided Flycatcher, various woodpeckers, warblers, bluebirds, magpies, and raptors like the American Kestrel and Red-tailed Hawk.
Visit Bear Yuba Land Trust for a map
The Spenceville Wildlife & Recreation Area
Photo by: Justin Smith – Courtesy: Go Nevada County
Located on Nevada County’s western boundary, Spenceville is worth the extra travel time. Start birding at Waldo Bridge, where Snipe are often seen, then continue to the old copper mine for excellent hikes.
What You’ll See
This area hosts over 175 migratory bird species and 80 nesting species. Expect to see woodpeckers, hummingbirds, quail, kingbirds, grosbeaks, buntings, finches, raptors, and even bald and golden eagles.
Nevada City
Cascade Canal Trail – Woodpecker Preserve
This level trail follows an irrigation ditch through a mature forest with pines, cedars, oaks, and dogwoods.
What You’ll See
Listen for the loud thumping of the Pileated Woodpecker. Other species include Red-breasted Nuthatches, Pacific-slope Flycatchers, Townsend’s Warbler, Spotted Towhee, Western Tanager, and more.
Visit Bear Yuba Land Trust for a map
Truckee
Road to Castle Pass
The road to Castle Pass offers year-round scenic views and chances to see sought-after High Sierra birds like Pine Grosbeak, Black-backed Woodpecker, and Williamson’s Sapsucker.
Lower Carpenter Valley
Photo courtesy: Truckee Donner Land Trust
Thanks to the Truckee Donner Land Trust, this pristine valley is accessible to visitors for exceptional birdwatching opportunities.
Whether you’re just starting out or a seasoned birder, Nevada County offers countless opportunities to enjoy its rich avian diversity. Grab your binoculars and start exploring!
