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© Esme Rosen

Carson River Park/Silver Saddle Ranch

39.14189 , -119.70606

United States of America (USA)

Carson River Park is a stretch of cottonwoods along the Carson River that is connected to Silver Saddle Ranch, a historic working ranch. At the end of the trail, there is a small dam and some rocky slopes. Due to the proximity to the Pine Nut Mountains, Carson River Park is one of the best places to see montane birds such as chickadees, solitaires, Pinyon Jays etc. in the Eagle Valley. The riparian areas also attract good numbers of migrants in the spring and fall, and the river can have ducks in the winter, including the locally rare Barrow's Goldeneye. At the dam, you often will find an American Dipper in the winter, and in the summer you can hear Yellow-breasted Chats calling from the Island behind the dam. The entire area is protected as part of the Carson City Open Space program.

Delete exact location

The introductory text should contain general information about the site, which may include for instance:
• geographic/ biogeographic location
• habitat and vegetation
• typical bird species/bird communities
• protection status
• land use and history
• importance for birdwatching

Coordinates were set by Esme Rosen : 39.1419/-119.7061 (2022-01-10 15:55:15 )

Site name was set by Esme Rosen as "Carson River Park/Silver Saddle Ranch" (2022-01-10 15:55:15 )

Edited by Esme Rosen on 2022-01-10 23:04:22
Carson River Park is a stretch of cottonwoods along the Carson River that is connected to Silver Saddle Ranch, a historic working ranch. At the end of the trail, there is a small dam and some rocky slopes. Due to the proximity to the Pine Nut Mountains, Carson River Park is one of the best places to see montane birds such as chickadees, solitaires, Pinyon Jays etc. in the Eagle Valley. The riparian areas also attract good numbers of migrants in the spring and fall, and the river can have ducks in the winter, including the locally rare Barrow's Goldeneye. At the dam, you often will find an American Dipper in the winter, and in the summer you can hear Yellow-breasted Chats calling from the Island behind the dam. The entire area is protected as part of the Carson City Open Space program.
Edited by Esme Rosen on 2022-01-10 16:02:14
Carson River Park is a stretch of cottonwoods along the Carson River that is connected to Silver Saddle Ranch, a historic working ranch. At the end of the trail, there is a small dam and some rocky slopes. Due to the proximity to the Pine Nut Mountains, Carson River Park is one of the best places to see montane birds such as chickadees, solitaires, etc. in the Eagle Valley. The riparian areas also attract good numbers of migrants in the spring and fall, and the river can have ducks in the winter, including the locally rare Barrow's Goldeneye. At the dam, you often will find an American Dipper in the winter, and in the summer you can hear Yellow-breasted Chats calling from the Island behind the dam. The entire area is protected as part of the Carson City Open Space program.

  • Top species

List up to ca. 25 species that:
• have a limited distribution range and/or are rare on a global level
• are most sought-after by birdwatchers at this site
• and are relatively easy to see at this site (year-round or seasonally)

Not available yet
  • Timing and strategy

Although the area can be good any time of year, it is the best during migration, especially the "low area", which can be dripping with migrants. As with everywhere in the valley, outside of winter it is best to start early. You can park at Silver Saddle Ranch and covere the fields first, or you can park at Carson River Park and hit Silver Saddle going back. There are advantages and disadvantages to both approaches.

Give recommendations for making your visit as productive as possible.
This may include for instance:
• best season
• best time of the day
• how much time to spend at the site
• best means of locomotion within the site
• recommended routes / areas within the site
• guiding

Edited by Esme Rosen on 2022-01-10 23:07
Although the area can be good any time of year, it is the best during migration, especially the "low area", which can be dripping with migrants. As with everywhere in the valley, outside of winter it is best to start early. You can park at Silver Saddle Ranch and covere the fields first, or you can park at Carson River Park and hit Silver Saddle going back. There are advantages and disadvantages to both approaches.
  • How to get there

Both parking lots are right off of Carson River Road and are well-marked.

Explain from where and how to get to this site with private and public transport.

Edited by Esme Rosen on 2022-01-10 23:21
Both parking lots are right off of Carson River Road and are well-marked.

Silver Saddle Ranch is open during daylight hours. Carson River Park is open 24/7. Please do not walk in the fields or go past the no trespassing signs along the river.

Provide information on how to enter this site, which may include:
• entry points
• entry permits / entry tickets and fees
• opening hours / opening season
• other restrictions

Note that this section should only contain information on how to ACCESS (= enter) a site. Info on how to REACH a site should be added to "How to get there" section.

Edited by Esme Rosen on 2022-01-10 16:03
Silver Saddle Ranch is open during daylight hours. Carson River Park is open 24/7. Please do not walk in the fields or go past the no trespassing signs along the river.
  • Other attractions

Silver Saddle Ranch is historical and may be interesting to some.

Add information about other attractions at this site, including
• wildlife (apart from birds)
• sights (natural, cultural, archaeological, etc.)
• activities (e.g. for non-birding companions)

Edited by Esme Rosen on 2022-01-10 23:22
Silver Saddle Ranch is historical and may be interesting to some.

There is a porta pottie at the Carson River Park parking lot, which may be removed in the winter. There is also handicapped parking at the same location.

Provide information about what type of facilities are available at
or near this site, including:
• information centers / information points
• catering
• accommodation
• hides and watchtowers
• restrooms / toilets

Edited by Esme Rosen on 2022-01-10 23:22
There is a porta pottie at the Carson River Park parking lot, which may be removed in the winter. There is also handicapped parking at the same location.

Mosquitoes can be a problem here in the summer months. The trails are also heavily used by the general public, including some dog walkers who don't always have much control over their dogs.

Are there any security issues or other annoyances at this site? For
instance, these may include:
• offenses like robbery or theft
• natural hazards
• dangerous or annoying animals or plants (mosquitoes, leaches, thorn bushes, etc.)
• noise pollution

Edited by Esme Rosen on 2022-01-10 23:23
Mosquitoes can be a problem here in the summer months. The trails are also heavily used by the general public, including some dog walkers who don't always have much control over their dogs.
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Carson River Park/Silver Saddle Ranch - Orniverse