Stretching from the Bering Strait to the southernmost tip of South America, the Pacific Flyway ranks as one of the greatest migratory pathways in the world. Millions of birds representing hundreds of species use this great avian highway each year, and nowhere is this abundance of wildlife more accessible than right here in Butte County.
Winter Birding
With an ideal combination of mild winter weather and abundant food and water, the area attracts a huge wintering population of waterfowl and raptors.
Top Bird Watching Locations
- Llano Seco Unit (Chico): The viewing platforms at the Llano Seco Unit provide arguably the most spectacular wildlife viewing in Northern California. You’ll be rewarded with views of unusual migrating species in the fall, like the black-bellied plover, and less common duck species, like the Eurasian Wigeon, in the winter.
- Gray Lodge Wildlife Area (Gridley): This is perhaps the most well-known birding site in Butte County. The 9,200-acre Gray Lodge Wildlife Area features a well-marked nature trail and bird viewing of more than 230 species. During the winter migration, you may witness a dusk “fly-off” of thousands of Snow Geese. The area also offers an exhibit museum, seasonal tours, and excellent car viewing.
Snow Goose Festival & Seasonal Events
The winter migration, especially of the majestic snow goose, is celebrated annually with the Snow Goose Festival of the Pacific Flyway at the end of January. This four-day celebration includes field trips, workshops, exhibitions, and other activities revolving around a variety of geese, ducks, herons, and raptors.
Even if you can’t make it to the festival, you can still enjoy spectacular birding opportunities at Butte County’s top bird watching locations whenever you visit.
Spring & Fall Birding Opportunities
Spring Birding (Warblers & Grosbeaks): In the spring, you’ll find trees jam-packed with warblers, vireos, tanagers, and grosbeaks at the Big Chico Creek Ecological Reserve. In Oroville, the Thermalito Afterbay and Thermalito Forebay provide great vantage points for viewing waterbirds and rare raptor sightings.
Fall Birding (Return Migration): Other birding opportunities are abundant in the fall, when a variety of species make the return migration from their mountain breeding spots and become easier to spot as the trees lose their leaves.
Trip Tips for Birders
Seasoned birders know that anyone can get into this easy activity, and that it’s a great way to explore places you’ve never been. Here are a few tips to get you started:
- Wear comfortable walking shoes and dress for the elements.
- Bring binoculars and download a birding app (or use the Explore Butte County Fall and Winter Birding brochure).
- Always respect the habitat and minimize your footprint.
