San Joaquin County offers a wide variety of wildlife habitats. Unlike many inland California counties, the region contains extensive wetlands, thanks to the San Joaquin/Sacramento delta at the confluence of these two rivers. A small area of dry foothills of the Coast Range lies in the extreme southwest. Our county in the east approaches the low foothills of the Sierra Nevada. In between, there are numerous rivers and rolling grasslands. Agriculture is big business here, which is readily evident to even the most casual observer. This and the steady growth of both commercial and residential development over the decades has resulted in decreased and degraded habitats.

 Below, you will find descriptions of twelve important birding locations in San Joaquin County, excerpted from our booklet, Birding in San Joaquin County, representing the four corners of our county.  For a complete list and description of sites in the county, you can purchase the book.