Birdwatching in Napa County reveals avian wonders and conservation champions

By Tim Carl

NAPA VALLEY, Calif. — Napa County, renowned for its world-class vineyards, stunning landscapes and culinary delights, is also home to a concealed gem that frequently escapes the limelight — the diverse and captivating birdlife that lives within its borders.

Murray Berner, local bird specialist and author, talks about the importance of Napa County wetlands to migratory bird populations at the Napa-Sonoma Marshes Wildlife Area — Tim Carl Video

In the late 1980s the Napa-Solano Audubon Society embraced the concept of creating a breeding bird atlas for Napa County. A dedicated committee consisting of Marguerite (Peggy) Gross, Bill Grummer, Marjorie Irwin, Robin Leong and Mike Rippey led the effort. They recruited volunteers, organized research materials, collected and preserved data, and played a pivotal role in producing the atlas. This comprehensive fieldwork spanned years, concluding in the mid-1990s.

This valuable work, contributed to by dozens of local birding enthusiasts, including local bird expert Murray Berner, was eventually published in “Breeding Birds of Napa County, California,” edited by Ann Smith and published in 2003 by the Napa-Solano Audubon Society.

In the book’s preface, Smith wrote, “Napa County is famous for its vineyards and wines. In order to preserve agriculture and prevent development, the county passed a landmark ordinance in 1968, with rural areas protected from subdivisions and dedicated to farming. As the wine industry prospered, agriculture in the county changed from a varied pattern of orchards, truck farms, Christmas tree farms, grazing lands, and some vineyards into nearly a monoculture of vineyards. Napa's flora and fauna changed accordingly, and the breeding bird atlas study took place near the climax of that habitat alteration.”

This often-overlooked world of birds provides a compelling window into the ecological health of our region. The dedicated birdwatchers, often unsung heroes of our natural world, work diligently to uncover the secrets of Napa County's avian ecosystem.

Migratory birds in late summer at the Napa-Sonoma Marshes Wildlife Area — Tim Carl Photo

Napa County and the surrounding areas are notable for birding due to a range of different habitats,” Berner had told me during a previous interview. “Given the right time of year and a little luck, this whole area can be some of the best birding spots in California.”

Berner, a Napa County native, has established himself as a stalwart figure in the local birdwatching community. His deep-rooted connection to the region has fueled his passion for understanding and conserving its avian residents. His contributions extend beyond field observations. He has authored influential books such as the "Solano County Breeding Bird Atlas" and "Breeding Birds of Napa County." These publications, along with his editorial work on the local birder's bible, "Birds of Napa County," have not only enriched the knowledge of fellow bird enthusiasts but have also played a vital role in furthering scientific research and conservation efforts in the region.

eBird: Napa County's gateway to birdwatching

Berner is also an active member of the local eBird community, a worldwide bird-enthusiast platform with active local participation.

For those eager to delve into Napa County's avian world, resources such as “Breeding Birds of Napa County, California,” and the eBird app are extremely valuable. Developed with the idea that every birdwatcher has unique knowledge and experience to share, eBird has become a global platform for bird enthusiasts to record their observations.

Migratory birds in late summer at the Napa-Sonoma Marshes Wildlife Area — Tim Carl Photo

Birders using eBird can submit checklists of their sightings, documenting species, numbers and locations. This platform has grown into one of the world's largest biodiversity-related science projects, amassing more than 100 million bird sightings annually from enthusiasts around the world. Napa County's birdwatchers, including Berner, actively contribute to this treasure-trove of data.

eBird, managed by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, collects and shares birdwatchers' observations to foster scientific research, conservation and education. Birdwatchers utilize its tools to document their outings, access real-time species distribution maps and receive timely alerts about recent sightings. Collaborating with partner organizations, experts and enthusiasts, eBird facilitates data collection and exploration through a mobile app and website. Its secure data storage and daily archiving make it a valuable resource for conservation decisions, research projects, student initiatives and global bird-related studies.

Seven uncommon birds sighted in Napa County between Oct. 10 and 13, as noted in the daily eBird email alert for rare bird sightings, have included:

• Gadwall x Mallard Hybrid: Observed by Becky Matsubara, Murray Berner and Ann Linder.

• American Golden-Plover: seen by Denise and David Hamilton.

• Pacific Golden-Plover: Spotted by Murray Berner.

• Red-necked Phalarope: Sightings shared by Amy McDonald, Denise and David Hamilton, and Murray Berner.

• Pacific-slope Flycatcher: Recorded by Jake Ruygt.

• Barn Swallow: Noted by Lucas Stephenson and Mark Stephenson.

• Wilson's Warbler: Sighted by Murray Berner.

Redwing Blackbirds in late summer at the Napa-Sonoma Marshes Wildlife Area — Tim Carl Photo

Unlocking Napa County's birding hotspots

Napa County boasts a variety of birding hotspots, each with its own distinct range of avian species. Whether you're a seasoned birder or new to the world of feathered wonders, these destinations offer an immersive and rewarding experience. Here are some prime locations to embark on your birding adventure and explore:

American Canyon Wetlands: A hub of avian activity, including the Gadwall x Mallard Hybrid sighting. Saltwater marshes attract a variety of species.

Napa-Sonoma Marshes Huichica Creek Unit: A must-visit location where rare American Golden Plovers, Pacific Golden-Plovers and Red-necked Phalaropes have been spotted.

Napa-Sonoma Marsh — Pond 7: Another hotspot, especially during high tide, for birding where Red-necked Phalaropes have been viewed.

White Sulphur Spring Road: A location showcasing Napa County's ecological diversity, with sightings of rare Pacific-slope Flycatchers.

Ahmann/Buchli Station Ranch: Highlighting the role of ranches and barns in the avian ecosystem, where Barn Swallows were observed.

Pope Canyon: A hidden hideaway with Wilson's Warbler sightings, exemplifying Napa County's diverse ecosystems.

Birding not only offers enjoyment and education but also provides a means to engage with the natural world and contribute to scientific understanding. Observations can help scientists track changes in bird migration, population shifts and threats to bird populations and habitats. The next time you explore Napa County's landscapes, bring binoculars, a camera with a telephoto lens, local birding books to guide you and the eBird app on your phone to embark on your avian journey. Engaging in the serene practice of observing nature not only brings tranquility but also enlists the practitioner among the unsung heroes of our community, quietly and conscientiously providing insight that helps safeguard a local, natural treasure, one bird sighting at a time.

Tim Carl is a Napa Valley-based photojournalist.