Birding Hotspots in Nevada County

Prosser Reservoir is one of several interesting areas on Highway 89 just North of I-80. These areas would include Sagehen Creek, Alder Creek and even Boca Reservoir, though its access is best from the Boca exit on I-80. The Eastern slope of the Sierra's affords a distinctly different forest and avian population.

Loney Meadows located above 6000' is the best of many great areas off of Bowman Lakes Road. There is a mile or more interpretive trail around the meadows that was built jointly with the Yuba Watershed Institute.

Discovery Trail is located near the intersection of the Bowman Lakes Road and Highway 20, just a mile West of the I-80 intersection. Handicapped accessible with asphalt paths and boardwalks through a manicured forest it was built by PG&E who maintain it. The paths lead over and along the Bear River and throughout there are kiosks, benches and interpretive signage.

Mathis Pond is a charming pond on the West side of Lower Dog Bar Road between Krystal Court and Carrie Drive in the area known as Alta Sierra. The diminutive pond is owned by the Nevada County land Trust and maintained with the assistance of the Sierra Foothills Audubon Society.

Round Mountain is a poorly delineated collection of Bureau of Land Management parcels and private lands lying North of Nevada City. Access is obtained via Rock Creek Road that can be entered from either the Lake Vera Purdon Road or the North Bloomfield Road. There is a parking lot at the top (only about 3000-ft. altitude) and a series of trails leads off in various directions. Some of these trails, though not marked, yield a view of the South Yuba River canyon.

Bitney Springs Road runs from the Rough and Ready Highway (Grass Valley's main Street becomes the Rough and Ready Highway as you head West) to the Pleasant Valley Road. The view of Lake Wildwood from above is the only one for the uninvited.

Rock Creek Nature Trail is located east of Nevada City on Washington Ridge. The Trail is a 3/4-mile loop that is cool, shady, and level. There's wheelchair access, a picnic area and a trail guide available at the trailhead.

The Spenceville Wildlife and Recreation Area lying along the western boundary of Nevada County is a bit remote but well worth the extra travel time. To reach Spenceville travel on West from the Lake Wildwood turnoff until you see the sign for Beale Air Force Base. Turn South on Smartville Road and bear to the left for 6.5 miles until you cross the Waldo bridge, a good place to start birding as Snipe are seen here

Bridgeport State ParkAt the top of almost everyone's list of prime Nevada County birding areas is Bridgeport State Park. Located at 17660 Pleasant Valley Road Penn Valley, CA. 95946 530-432-2546 Bridgeport is the centerpiece of the South Yuba River State Park. To reach the Park from State Route 20 west of Grass Valley go North along Pleasant Valley Rd (from the Lake Wildwood turnoff) about eight miles.

Western Gateway Park is located between Highway 20 and Penn Valley Dr. in Penn Valley. While there is no direct entrance from Highway 20 either the Pleasant Valley Rd. or Penn Valley Dr. may be followed a short distance South from 20 and then proceed along Penn Valley Dr to the park.