I attended a 2-day weekend program (April 26-27, 2025) in Yosemite: Introduction to Birding.
It is a program hosted by the Yosemite conservancy.
We spent Saturday and Sunday morning looking and listening for the many birds that make their year-round or seasonal homes in the park — from robins and woodpeckers to wood ducks and blackbirds. We went on hikes in the Valley, learning about the telltale songs and signs of different bird species and the important roles they play in the Yosemite ecosystem.
Yosemite Valley, nestled in the heart of Yosemite National Park in California’s Sierra Nevada, is renowned for its stunning granite cliffs, majestic waterfalls, and rich biodiversity. Among its many natural wonders, birding in Yosemite Valley stands out as a rewarding activity for nature lovers, ornithologists, and casual visitors alike. With more than 260 bird species recorded in the park, Yosemite Valley offers a vibrant and dynamic environment for observing avian life throughout the year.
Yosemite Valley’s diverse landscape—ranging from riverbanks and meadows to oak woodlands and conifer forests—creates a mosaic of habitats that support a wide array of bird species. The Merced River, which meanders through the valley, provides riparian habitat ideal for waterfowl, herons, and songbirds. The valley’s mixed woodlands attract cavity-nesting species such as the Northern Flicker and Acorn Woodpecker, while higher elevation conifer stands support Steller’s Jays and Mountain Chickadees.
Spring is a very exciting time for birding in Yosemite Valley. As snow melts from the high country and wildflowers bloom in the meadows, migratory birds return to the valley in full force. This season offers an abundance of sights and sounds as birds arrive to breed, feed, and sing—transforming the valley into a living symphony.
Beginning in March and peaking in May, Yosemite Valley becomes a crucial stopover and breeding ground for neotropical migrants. These birds travel from Central and South America, drawn to the valley’s rich habitats and abundant insect life. Flycatchers, warblers, swallows, and tanagers arrive, often in waves, bringing brilliant colors and active foraging behavior.
Spring is also the season of courtship and nesting. Male birds sing to establish territory and attract mates, providing a rich auditory experience for birders. Yosemite’s meadows, riverbanks, and forested slopes offer ample nesting sites—from tree cavities to shrubs and riverbanks. We were treated to an amazing sight of wood ducks courting and mating. Their colors are just spectacular.
We also spotted one American Dipper that was diving and singing near rushing water, where they build mossy nests behind waterfalls. Northern Flickers, Steller’s Jays, and Woodpeckers begin excavating and occupying tree holes. One of those tree holes was occupied by a White-Headed Woodpecker, that was watching us watching him and then flew out of the hole, it was awe inspiring (see video below).
Prime Birding Locations in Spring
Cook’s Meadow and Sentinel Bridge: Rich in insects and vegetation, this area hosts flycatchers, sparrows, and warblers.
Happy Isles Nature Center: A spring hotspot for songbirds like Pacific-slope Flycatchers and Wilson’s Warblers.
Cathedral Beach Picnic Area: The forest edge here is a good place to hear woodpeckers drumming and see tanagers moving through the canopy.
Valley View and El Capitan Meadow: Raptor viewing is excellent here in spring—Red-tailed Hawks, Ospreys, and even Peregrine Falcons may be seen nesting on cliffs.
Our naturalist guide was outstanding. She offered us great ways to remember bird songs, as many spring birds are easier to hear than see. Learning their songs, such as the Mountain Chickadee “hey sweetie”, enhances our learning experience.
We also used tools like the Merlin Bird ID app or eBird to track and identify birds, contributing to citizen science.
Spring in Yosemite Valley offers an enchanting birding experience filled with life, music, and motion, birders are treated to a vibrant celebration of seasonal renewal. It is a perfect time to deepen your appreciation for birds and witness the rhythms of nature in one of the world’s most iconic landscapes.
Birding in Yosemite Valley also provides an opportunity to participate in conservation through observation and citizen science. Efforts like the Audubon Christmas Bird Count and eBird reporting contribute valuable data to avian research. Birders are encouraged to practice ethical observation by maintaining distance, minimizing noise, and avoiding nests and sensitive habitats.
My birding experience this weekend was filled with pure joy and wonder. The weather was cool, rainy and perfect. This was an immersive multisensory experience. I got to slow down, be in the moment and listen intently. I got to see my beloved Yosemite in a more deeply and intimate way, thanks to birding. There were many memorable moments, few of the highlights were; the Bald Eagle just swopping by out of nowhere, the mating Wood Ducks, the White-headed Woodpecker in the tree hole and the cute little Mountain Chickadees singing such a beautiful melody “Hey Sweetie!”.
Not forgetting to mention, an amazing non bird sighting; a bobcat walking by in front of us, just minding his business (you can see in the video below).
Below, I share the Birding checklist provided by Yosemite National Park.
Birding Checklist: Yosemite Valley
https://www.nps.gov/yose/learn/nature/upload/yosebirdchecklist.pdf
Lastly, here is the list of birds I observed and marbled at:
Songbirds & Warblers
Black-headed Grosbeak
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Yellow Warbler
American Robin
Hermit Warbler
Woodpeckers
Northern Flicker
Acorn Woodpecker
Hairy Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
White-headed Woodpecker (in a tree hole, you will see on the video)
Raptors
Red-tailed Hawk
Peregrine Falcon
Turkey Vulture
Bald Eagle
Water & Riparian Birds
American Dipper
Mallard
Wood Ducks
Jays, Chickadees & Other Residents
Steller’s Jay
Mountain Chickadee
Dark-eyed Junco
Anna’s Hummingbird
Red wing Blackbird
Band-tailed Pigeon
Raven
Red-winged Blackbird
Brewer’s Blackbird
Western Bluebird
Spotted Towhee
Black Phoebe
Song Sparrow
Enjoy this short video