Carson City Wastewater Treatment Plant
BIRDING GUIDE
1/16/2022
​​​WHAT TO EXPECT
The ponds and wetland habitats in this area are viewable from a paved multi-use path within 10 minutes of downtown Carson. The area offers year-round birding with frequent stopovers by unexpected birds. The main route is a one mile out-and-back path along the northeast edge of the ponds.
Best time of year: Year-round
Notable species: eBird Hotspot Link
Sora and Virginia Rail can frequently be seen lurking in the reeds to the south of the path as you begin the walk. Green-winged Teal is common in the ponds year-round, with many other ducks in the winter months, including regular visits from Ring-necked Duck, Redhead, and Bufflehead (the northernmost pond is usually a good spot for diving ducks). Canvasback, Scaup, and Goldeneye are also possible. Large shorebirds, such as American Avocet and Black-necked Stilt, are regular visitors during migration. ​​
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HOW TO GET THERE:
From the I-80 & I-580/US 395 interchange, drive south on I-580/US 395 for approximately 31 miles to Carson City. Take exit 3 for Fairview Drive. Turn left onto Fairview Drive and head northeast for just over a mile until you get to a traffic circle. At the traffic circle, take the third exit to head west on E. 5th St. Take the first right onto Airport Rd. On your left will be the wastewater treatment ponds. Pull off into the dirt lot on your right just after you pass over the outlet from the ponds. Park here and cross Airport Rd. to access the paved paths.
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POPULAR BIRDING ROUTE
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The best birding is from the path that begins on the northern edge of the pond adjacent to Airport Rd. Scan the reeds to your left for Sora, Virginia Rail, Marsh Wren and Song Sparrow. Northern Harriers are often flying low over this patch. Check the dry areas among the reeds for Wilson’s Snipe. At the first corner you will turn right. Proceed down the path and bird the large open ponds and mudflats to your left for waterfowl, shorebirds, and gulls. Check the fences for Say’s Phoebe, Mountain Bluebird, and, in Spring, Barn, Violet-green, Tree, Northern Rough-wing, and Cave Swallows, which will also be swarming the skies above. At the next corner you will turn left. Check the canal to the north for Ring-necked Duck and Cinnamon Teal. If the water to the south is shallow (water levels change here frequently), look for peeps there. The grassland to the north may have Savannah Sparrow and Meadowlark. At the next corner, bird the open pond adjacent to the freeway for diving ducks and check the surrounding trees for Great-tailed Grackle. Turn around here and proceed back the way you came.
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There is also a paved path that skirts the southern edge of the ponds, goes under the freeway, and then follows Governor’s Creek all the way to S. Roop St. This route is less productive but can be good for sparrows and wrens along the creek and raptors in the agricultural fields. The path is approximately two miles from Airport Rd. to S. Roop St.
