Ukiah

Habitat and Birds

Dry pine forest, residential area, sewer pond, wet meadows, and riparian areas. At the sewage pond area look for waterfowl that can include Canada Geese, Gadwalls, Mallards, Green-winged Teal, Cinnamon Teal, Northern Shovelers, Redheads, and Ruddy Ducks, Blue-winged Teal, Tundra Swans, Trumpeter Swans (rarely), Wood Ducks, American Wigeon, Ring-necked Ducks, Lesser Scaup, Common Goldeneye, Bufflehead, Common Merganser, Hooded Merganser, Barrow’s Goldeneye, Canvasback, Great Egrets, Sandhill Cranes, Long-billed Curlews, Wilson’s Phalaropes, Red-necked Phalaropes, Yellow-headed Blackbirds. In winter, American Tree Sparrow has been reported several times along Mossie Road between Ukiah and the sewer ponds. On the dryer portions of Mossie Road, look for Horned Larks, Savannah Sparrows, and Western Meadowlarks. Shortly after turning onto Cable Creek Rd., you will begin finding pine species. American Dipper (check the two bridges), Western Bluebird, White-breasted Nuthatch, Cassin’s Finch, and Red Crossbill can be seen here along with many others. Near the Jct. of Cable Creek Rd. and Hwy 244, look for a burned area that can produce some good species. Make sure to bird the town itself. Several houses often feed the birds (keep an eye out for Broad-tailed Hummingbird as this is a possibility albeit a slim one). The Bobolink Colony that formerly nested on the SW side of town has abandoned this site. The last report of Bobolinks at this site was on May 28, 2018. Other species that may be found in the meadows at the SW edge of town include Sandhill Crane, Wilson’s Snipe, Long-billed Curlew, Northern Harrier, Red-winged Blackbird, and Savannah Sparrow.) Look for Short-eared Owls between Ukiah and Hwy 395.