The San Joaquin River area home to some of the state’s most spectacular birds, and a new map is now available to help you find the best places to spot them. The map – available free of charge at locations throughout the San Joaquin Valley – was produced by Audubon California and a number of partners to celebrate the spectacular natural resources of this area. The large full-color foldout map details nearly 50 prime birding locations along the San Joaquin River, and includes lifelike bird illustrations by noted artist Keith Hansen. Site descriptions include species lists, hiking trails, driving routes, bicycle access, viewing platforms, disabled access and much more.

“From Sandhill Cranes to Yellow-billed Magpies to Pileated Woodpeckers, the San Joaquin River is home to some of California’s most spectacular birds,” said Graham Chisholm, executive director of Audubon California. “Our goal in putting together this map was to not only celebrate these birds, but to also help people enjoy them.”

The maps are currently available free of charge through local Audubon chapters, including Stanislaus Audubon and Fresno Audubon . You can also find them at Caswell Memorial State Park, Millerton Lake State Recreation Area, George Hatfield State Recreation Area, San Luis and San Joaquin River National Wildlife Refuges, Mendota and Los Banos Wildlife Areas, and the San Joaquin River Parkway & Conservation Trust’s River Center in Fresno. Local chambers of commerce in Fresno, Modesto and Stockton should also have supplies.

“This map provides Central Valley residents and visitors alike with boundless opportunity to chart outdoor adventures and reconnect with the San Joaquin River” said Dave Koehler, executive director of the San Joaquin River Parkway Conservation Trust. “These places of special beauty are accessible to the public and represent a vital natural resource for everyone to enjoy.”

Funding for the map was provided by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, California Wildlife Conservation Board, and the California Department of Water Resources, California State Parks Foundation, Central Valley Bird Club, Central Valley Joint Venture, Grassland Fund, Stanislaus Audubon Society, PRBO Conservation Science and The Nature Conservancy.