Cottonwood Park Birding Guide

WHAT TO EXPECT Cottonwood Park is a linear green space with mature trees along the north bank of the Truckee River in Sparks. The City of Sparks Park has a restroom and picnic tables, with street parking. The Tahoe Pyramid Trail is a paved walking path that extends through the park, within the river corridor riparian area.
 
Best time of year: year-round.
 
Notable species: eBird Hotspot Link
Great Horned Owls utilize the Giant Sequoias along the street. Look for pellets under the trees. Belted Kingfishers and a variety of woodpeckers are year-round residents.
 
In winter, goldeneyes and mergansers can be seen in the river. Large flocks of Brewer’s Blackbirds, Brown-headed Cowbirds and European Starlings congregate in the trees. Other winter flocking birds include Cedar Waxwings, White-crowned Sparrows, Yellow-rumped Warblers and American Robins.
 
In summer, thousands of Brazilian Free-Tailed bats roost under the McCarran Bridge. Visit the bridge at dusk to watch a spectacular flyout. A variety of swallows also frequent the river corridor. Song birds nest in the trees and shrubs.
 
Over 130 species have been found here.
 
HOW TO GET THERE:  Google Map of the Area 
From the I-80 & I-580/US 395 interchange in Reno, head east 2.3 miles to McCarran Blvd East (Exit 19). Head south (left) on McCarran for 1 mile. Turn left on Greg Street for .2 miles. Turn right on to Spice Island Drive for .8 miles. Park along the street near the workout station at the east end of the park by the Cottonwood Park sign.
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POPULAR BIRDING ROUTE
Take the paved river path upstream/west for 2.5 miles to Rock Park.
Watch for raptors in the trees, including hawks, osprey and eagles. Warblers, wrens, kinglets, finches, sparrows and woodpeckers can be found in the shrubs and trees. Ducks, geese and coots frequent the river.
 
Optional Side Trips: 
Continue west along the river path and/or return to Cottonwood Park and continue east toward Veterans Parkway.
 

Photo by Lori Bellis