Lockwood Birding Guide

WHAT TO EXPECT Lockwood is a small subdivision along the Truckee River east of Reno/Sparks, in the Truckee River canyon. The PahRah Mountains are to the north and the Virginia Range to the south. The Lockwood Trail is a Washoe County Regional Park west of the housing community, along the north side of the river. The trail is within the river corridor riparian area, under a mature open canopy cottonwood and willow gallery. Uplands are salt desert shrubs and sagebrush.
 
Best time of year: year-round.
 
Notable species: eBird Hotspot Link
A variety of raptors, woodpeckers, and songbirds such as wrens, sparrows and phoebes can be seen year-round, as well as Belted Kingfishers, herons and egrets. In the summer, many birds breed in the park including migratory songbirds such as Bullock’s Orioles, Western Kingbirds and Yellow Warblers. Wood Ducks may be seen in the spring and summer on the river. Over-wintering ducks, particularly Common and Barrow’s Goldeneyes and Hooded Mergansers can be seen along the river. Lewis’s Woodpeckers frequent the area in the fall, usually in September or October, on their migration. Over 140 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 7.5 miles to the Lockwood (Exit 22). Turn right onto Canyon Way for .2 miles. Before the bridge, turn right on a dirt road after the Lockwood Trailhead sign. Drive down the dirt road to a parking area with a restroom and picnic tables.  
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The trail system has loops up and downstream from the parking area. To the east (left), the trail goes along the river to the bridge for .25 miles. To the west (right), the trail goes along the river for 0.8 miles, with a return loop in the upland area part way back, near the swing gate. 
 
POPULAR BIRDING ROUTE
Walk down to the river to look for ducks, herons, and kingfishers. Check the large cottonwoods across the river for raptors such as hawks, Bald Eagles and Ospreys. Take the trail going upstream. Look for Bushtits, wrens and warblers in the trees and shrubs along the path. In the summer, look for nesting songbirds in the cottonwood trees, particularly Western Kingbirds and Bullock’s Orioles. Continuing along the trail, look for White-crowned and Golden-crowned Sparrows in the winter in the upland shrubs. Lewis’s Woodpeckers are sometimes present in the fall in the trees near the swing gate. Northern Flickers like the cottonwoods and dead snags. Toward the end of the trail, notice a rock wall across the river. In winter, Barrow’s and Common Goldeneyes hang out in the calm water below the rock wall. Turn around at the trail’s end. Near the swing gate, go left to return via an upland trail.
 
Once back at the parking area, continue on the trail going downstream to the bridge. Look into the trees for raptors, woodpeckers, finches and warblers. California Quail are usually present in the shrubs. A small beach area near the bridge has good views of the river. Return back to the parking area.
 
Optional Side Trips: 
McCarran Ranch Preserve is 8 miles east on I-80. See McCarran Ranch Birding Guide for details. 
 

Photo by Lori Bellis