Foothills and Sierra Nevada

Although just one mile each way, this riparian habitat supports a wide variety of species. Most of the trail runs between Bucks Creek and the Silva Valley Parkway. On occasion, the trail is crowded with walkers, mostly with dogs, but other times, it is empty, making for very good birding.

Birding the Site: Resident species include Acorn and Downy Woodpeckers, White-breasted Nuthatches, Oak Titmice, California and Spotted Towhees, Bewick’s and Northern House Wrens, Western Bluebirds and on the ponds, Mallards, Pied-billed Grebes and Common Gallinules, with Marsh Wrens chattering in the reeds. Hooded Mergansers may be present on the lower ponds.  

Wintering species include crowned, Song and Lincoln Sparrows and, on several occasions, a White-throated Sparrow skulked along the trail. Purple Finches are found most winters and American Wigeon, Buffleheads and Common Mergansers are often found on the ponds.  

Spring is busy with migrants as well as nesting resident species. In this varied habitat, there is always the possibility of unusual finds such as Red-breasted Sapsuckers and once, a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker.

The trail runs a mile from beginning to end. After nearing Hwy. 50 and crossing the creek, climbing the steep hill will produce an amazing view of the surrounding country-side. The trail ends at the top of the hill. eBird Sightings

Directions: Driving east on Hwy. 50 from Sacramento, take Exit 31, Silva Valley Parkway, drive north on the Parkway to the light at the intersection with Serrano Parkway. Make a U-turn at the light and park immediately on the right.

This site has been referred to as Bucks Creek for SAS birding trips, but the eBird Hotspot designation is “Silva Valley Pkwy—running trail.”

Maureen Geiger