California’s Central Valley, the heart of the Pacific Flyway, is a landscape of contrasts, where dry, golden fields often dominate the horizon. BirdReturns transforms select farmlands and wetlands into vibrant oases, teeming with life.
In Tulare, one wetland stood out as a remarkable example of this transformation. Tens of thousands of birds filled the landscape, each finding its place—long-legged shorebirds wading through deep swales, phalaropes spinning across shallow waters, Least Sandpiper foraging along the damp edges, and of course, an abundance of waterfowl taking full advantage of the water. The scene was a striking testament to the diversity and harmony these habitats can support, showcasing the critical role BirdReturns plays in creating spaces where migratory birds can thrive.
Since fall 2023, BirdReturns has continued to build on its success, creating nearly 60,000 acres of seasonal habitat in the past year that supports shorebirds and waterbirds. The program has also expanded its reach to include Suisun Marsh, completing its coverage of the entire Central Valley and shoring up its role in providing critical migratory bird habitats.
This is the magic of BirdReturns. By collaborating with landowners and applying science-driven approaches, the program provides essential habitats for migratory birds exactly when and where they need them most.
Our Incredible Summer Survey Highlights | 120 total Hours of Bird Surveying
The BirdReturns program achieved extraordinary results in 2024, building on its innovation and impact. Below are highlights from the summer program (April 1 - August 1)—our team is still busy crunching the data for the incredible results from the fall program:
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Sacramento/Delta: 55 hrs
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San Joaquin/Tulare: 29 hrs
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Suisun: 36 hrs
Birds Observed in Summer Wetlands
On a typical pond, 248 birds were observed over 136 acres:
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139 songbirds (e.g., Red-winged Blackbird)
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38 waterfowl (e.g., Mallard)
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37 piscivores (e.g., Pelicans, Herons)
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29 shorebirds (e.g., Long-billed Curlews, Dowitchers, Black-necked Stilts)
Summer Program Nesting Birds
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10 Waterfowl species | Blue-winged Teal, Canada Goose, Cinnamon Teal, Gadwall, Hooded Merganser, Mallard, Mute Swan, Northern Shoveler, Ruddy Duck, Wood Duck.
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3 Shorebird species | American Avocet, Black-necked Stilt, Killdeer.
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1 Grebe species | Pied-billed Grebe
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6 Marsh-nesting songbirds | Common Yellowthroat, Great-tailed Grackle, Marsh Wren, Red-winged Blackbird, Song Sparrow, Yellow-headed Blackbird.
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2 Wader species | Black-crowned Night-Heron, Great Blue Heron
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2 Rallid Species | American Coot, Common Gallinule
Top 5 Most Abundant Summer Program Birds
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Red-winged Blackbird
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Mallard
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Long-billed Dowitcher
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Marsh Wren
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Western Sandpiper
Celebrating Collaboration
Private landowners are the heart of BirdReturns, driving its success and shaping its innovative science. Their stewardship and dedication create vital habitats for migratory birds, transforming the Central Valley and beyond into thriving oases. By partnering with landowners, conservationists, and organizations such as PointBlue Conservation Science, The Nature Conservancy, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the Suisun Resource Conservation District, BirdReturns fosters a collaborative approach that strengthens conservation efforts and ensures a brighter future for birds and people alike.
“BirdReturns has helped our small duck club to pursue habitat improvement projects. The extra income from their programs is plowed into the property, which in turn benefits not only the shorebirds but the ducks as well. A classic win/win!” —Rick Ramirez, landowner, Riverfield Duck Club, San Joaquin Region
“BirdReturns helps us to deliver year-round benefits to shorebirds, waterfowl, and other wildlife on our wetland conservation property in the Suisun Marsh. It’s a win for wildlife!” —Andrew Bogan, landowner, The Teal Club, Suisun Region
BirdReturns invites more landowners and wetland managers to join us for the 2025 season. Together, we can build vibrant habitats and ensure a brighter future for migratory birds.
Learn more about our upcoming Spring and Summer programs and how to apply HERE.
The BirdReturns program is managed by the Migratory Bird Conservation Partnership (Audubon California, The Nature Conservancy, and Point Blue Conservation Science), and funded by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Additional collaborators include the California Rice Commission, and the Delta Conservancy.
