The Pacific Flyway is a major north-south flyway for migratory birds in America, extending from Alaska to Patagonia. Every year, migratory birds travel some or all of this distance both in spring and in fall, following food sources, heading to breeding grounds, or traveling to overwintering sites. Millions of birds – more than 350 species - follow the Pacific Flyway. In California birds migrate south as early as August and migrate north as early as March.

The Sacramento Valley provides critical habitat for migrating and resident species of waterfowl, geese, shorebirds and waterbirds. This habitat comprises an important part of the integrated water system in Northern California. The Sacramento Valley lies on the southerly end of the Pacific Flyway migratory route and is one the most prominent wintering sites for waterfowl in the world.

The areas I like to photograph during this migration is Gray Lodge Wildlife Refuge, Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge and areas in Sutter, Butte and Glen counties.