Flock of tall, gray and white birds flying against a light blue sky.

Northern California Birding: Highways in the Sky Along the Pacific Flyway

Who is this guide for?

  • This article is for anyone interested in learning about Northern California birding, the Pacific Flyway, and the best locations to observe seasonal bird migration near Orland, CA.



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California’s traffic has a reputation for being crowded, but did you know that the state’s busiest highways are actually hundreds of feet above your head? Nope, it’s not airplanes. Each year, millions of birds travel a vast migratory route known as the Pacific Flyway, one of the most important bird highways in the world. Stretching from the Arctic regions of Alaska to South America, this aerial corridor comes alive in Northern California, making the region one of the premier birding destinations in the western United States.


For birders, wildlife photographers, and nature enthusiasts, Northern California birding offers extraordinary variety and easy access to wetlands, refuges, and open landscapes. From massive flocks of snow geese to soaring raptors, the skies and fields of the Sacramento Valley are an incredible display of migration in motion.

Woman looking up through binoculars in a forest. She wears a watch and a backpack.

What Is the Pacific Flyway?

The Pacific Flyway is one of four major North American migratory bird routes. It follows the western edge of the continent, providing birds with food, water, and resting areas during their long seasonal journeys. California plays a critical role in this migration, especially the Central Valley, where wetlands and agricultural lands offer an ideal wintering habitat.



Northern California sits at the heart of this flyway. Mild winters, abundant water, and rich feeding grounds attract millions of birds representing hundreds of species. For birders, this means reliable viewing opportunities and seasonal changes that keep every visit unique.

Why Northern California Is a Birding Hotspot

Northern California birding is popular for its accessibility and concentration of wildlife. Unlike remote wilderness areas, many of the region’s best birding sites are easily reached by car and offer viewing platforms, auto tours, and walking trails.


The Sacramento Valley is especially important. During peak migration, the wetlands fill with waterfowl, shorebirds, and raptors in high numbers. Fields erupt with sound and motion as flocks lift off, circle, and resettle, sometimes darkening the sky for minutes at a time.



This region is also ideal for birders of all experience levels. Beginners benefit from high bird densities and clear viewing conditions, while experienced birders can seek out seasonal specialties and uncommon species.

Iconic Birds of Northern California

Among the many species that travel the Pacific Flyway are some true icons that put Northern California on the map:



Snow Geese

Snow geese are the stars of winter migration. With a global population exceeding five million, large portions of the species move through California each year. Tens of thousands winter in the Sacramento Valley, creating unforgettable sights as they rise in synchronized waves from wetlands and agricultural fields.


Raptors and Waterfowl

As waterfowl numbers increase in fall and winter, raptors follow. Bald eagles, hawks, falcons, and owls are commonly seen hunting over open fields and refuge waterways. Ducks, coots, and geese dominate the wetlands, while shorebirds appear during spring drawdowns.


Year-Round Residents

Even outside peak migration, Northern California supports a wide range of local species including herons, egrets, grebes, songbirds, and even mammals like river otters and deer. Even if you’re not around during migration, there’s plenty to see in every season.

White egret standing in green grass, with a dark background.

Top Northern California Birding Locations Near Orland, CA

One of the advantages of birding in Northern California is how close several world-class sites are to one another. Orland, California, serves as a convenient base for exploring multiple birding destinations along the Pacific Flyway.


Snow Goose Festival (Chico, CA)

Held annually in late January, the Snow Goose Festival celebrates the migration of birds through the Sacramento Valley. The event features guided field trips, workshops, and exhibits focused on wildlife conservation and bird identification. It’s a highlight of the winter birding season and draws visitors from across the country.


Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge

Located in the northern Central Valley, the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge Complex is one of the most important stopping points on the Pacific Flyway. Seasonal wetlands host enormous concentrations of waterfowl and raptors.


What to expect by season:

  • Fall: Arrival of migratory ducks and geese beginning in September
  • Winter: Peak bird numbers from late November through early January
  • Spring: Shorebird migration during wetland drawdowns
  • Summer: Resident species and irrigated habitat supporting local wildlife


Auto tours and walking areas make this refuge accessible and rewarding for birders year-round.


Gray Lodge Wildlife Area

Gray Lodge Wildlife Area offers exceptional viewing opportunities for both novice and experienced birders. Large populations of snow geese, ducks, coots, and raptors gather here during migration. Flat trails, viewing platforms, and a seasonal auto loop allow visitors to observe birds at close range.


Timing matters at Gray Lodge:

  • Morning: Otters and early waterfowl movement
  • Midday: Overhead flights and resting flocks
  • Evening: Spectacular “fly-offs” as birds head to feeding grounds

Best Time of Year for Northern California Birding

While birding is possible year-round, timing your visit can greatly enhance the experience.


  • Fall (September–October): Arrival of migratory waterfowl
  • Winter (November–January): Peak numbers of geese, ducks, and raptors
  • Spring (February–April): Shorebird migration and changing wetlands
  • Summer (May–August): Resident species and quieter refuge visits



Winter remains the most popular season, thanks to the sheer volume of birds and the spectacle of mass take-offs.

Where to Stay for Your Northern California Birding Trip

Spending multiple days exploring the Pacific Flyway allows you to experience different locations, seasons, and times of day—often the key to memorable wildlife encounters. Choosing a central, comfortable base makes it easy to enjoy early mornings and peaceful evenings surrounded by nature.


The Parkway RV Resort & Campground, located in Orland, California, offers an ideal home base for Northern California birding. Our central location provides convenient access to major wildlife refuges, birding festivals, and scenic backroads of the Sacramento Valley. After a day in the field, you can relax in a quiet rural setting that reflects the natural beauty of the flyway itself.


Whether you’re traveling in an RV or planning a longer birding getaway, staying close to the action lets you focus on the skies above instead of highway traffic. Plan your Northern California birding adventure and book your stay at The Parkway RV Resort & Campground.