Flood the Land, Feed the Flyway
Sustaining migratory birds by supporting private wetlands and working lands through incentives for habitat stewardship.
BirdReturns is a habitat incentive program that partners with farmers and wetland managers across California’s Central Valley to create critical wetland habitat for waterbirds throughout the year.
California has lost more than 95% of its historic wetlands, yet millions of birds still rely on the Central Valley each year as they travel the Pacific Flyway. BirdReturns helps fill these habitat gaps by creating seasonal wetlands where and when birds need them most.
Through simple, flexible adjustments to water timing and depth, participants can transform working lands into high-value habitat, providing birds with places to rest, feed, and thrive throughout their life cycle. Guided by science and built on strong partnerships, BirdReturns delivers adaptive habitat solutions that support healthy bird populations and more resilient working landscapes.
50,000+
acres of seasonal habitat created annually.
210+
farmers and wetland managers partnering with BirdReturns.
150+
species of waterbirds supported.
Explore our seasonal programs
Every property is different. Learn more about our seasonal habitat programs to find opportunities that fit your land, goals, and the needs of birds across the Pacific Flyway.
BirdReturns | A Decade of Habitat, A Future for Birds
For more than 10 years, BirdReturns has connected land, water, and migratory birds across California’s Central Valley. This video highlights the people, places, and partnerships that make this work possible.