Napa River Ecological Reserve

Yountville Ecological Preserved is one of Napa’s Open Space Parks located along Yountville Cross Road. Consisting of 73-acres, this is one of the few places where visitors can experience Valley Oak woodland and riparian habitat that once defined the Napa Valley. A short walk takes you to the river, and when the water level is low you can cross the river and stroll along a quiet, 1/2 mile trail that loops through majestic oaks and other native plants. Oak Titmice and White-breasted Nuthatch call from the oaks, and occasional Wood Ducks, Great Blue Herons, as well as Black Phoebes and Belted Kingfishers travel along the river banks in search of food.

Common Resident and Breeding Birds: California Quail, Oak Titmouse, White-Breasted Nuthatch, Hairy, Downy, Acorn and Nuttall’s Woodpeckers, Western Bluebird, Black Phoebe Bewick’s and House Wrens, Tree, Violet-green and Cliff Swallows, Chestnut-backed Chickadees, Hutton’s and Warbling Vireos, Song Sparrows, Lesser Goldfinch, House Finch, Stellar’s and California Scrub Jays, Spotted and California Towhees, Brewer’s and Red-winged Blackbirds are common resident birds. Red-tailed, Red-shouldered, and Cooper’s Hawks frequent the Oak Woodlands and can be observed riding thermals high above the valley floor.

Migrants: During the Fall and Spring migration, look for Ash-throated Flycatchers calling from the open meadow. If you take the trail down to the Napa River you may be treated to Hermit Thrush, House Wrens, Chestnut-backed Chickadees, White-breasted Nuthatch, Acorn, Nuttall’s and Red-shafted Flicker Woodpeckers, Cedar Waxwing, Hutton’s and Warbling Vireos as well as Ruby-crowned Kinglets, Black-throated Gray, Townsend’s, Wilson’s, Yellow and Yellow-rumped Warblers, Black-headed Grosbeaks, and Western Tanagers high in the eucalyptus or foraging in the willow thickets. Red-tailed and Red-shouldered Hawks as well as passing Cooper’s or Sharp-shined Hawks, American Kestrel and on occasion even Merlins visit in the Fall and Winter.