Photograph by Connie Pugh

Nestled in the hills of north-east Napa County is Lake Hennessy, a reservoir that is possibly the best year-round birding spot in Napa County. Approximately 2 miles long and 1.5 miles wide, the lake is home to hundreds of species of resident and migratory birds.  Aboard a luxury, electric-motor launch, you will gain a different perspective of Napa Valley’s birds, and peer into their secret life by exploring this hideaway mountain lake with an experienced guide. Potential sightings include: bald eagle, osprey, woodpeckers, towhees, nuthatch, sparrows, red-throated and common loons, common and Hooded Mergansers, Say’s Phoebe and many more.  Also during this time of year, the Western grebe may be seen doing their elaborate “dance”. As seen in the movie “Winged Migration: the "rushing ceremony", two grebes engage in calls and head movements, then lunge forward and run rapidly across the surface of the water, side-by-side, for up to 20 meters. While running, the birds maintain an upright posture with their long necks stretching upwards and their heads bent forward at a 90 degree angle. This pristine and tranquil lake is all yours to see and enjoy. Ample parking. Napa River Adventures staff will meet you on the dock.

Registration required; Boat Tour is Free* with a $55 donation to The Friends of the Napa River (non-profit).  Wheelchair accessible. Basic bathroom facilities. SPACE IS LIMITED. Children 12 and up. [HEN1] (707)-224-4768

Photograph by J. Sherman Mills

Nestled in the hills of north-east Napa County is Lake Hennessy, a reservoir that is possibly the best year-round birding spot in Napa County. Approximately 2 miles long and 1.5 miles wide, the lake is home to hundreds of species of resident and migratory birds.  Aboard a luxury, electric-motor launch, you will gain a different perspective of Napa Valley’s birds, and peer into their secret life by exploring this hideaway mountain lake with an experienced guide. Potential sightings include: bald eagle, osprey, woodpeckers, towhees, nuthatch, sparrows, red-throated and common loons, common and Hooded Mergansers, Say’s Phoebe and many more.  Also during this time of year, the Western grebe may be seen doing their elaborate “dance”. As seen in the movie “Winged Migration: the "rushing ceremony", two grebes engage in calls and head movements, then lunge forward and run rapidly across the surface of the water, side-by-side, for up to 20 meters. While running, the birds maintain an upright posture with their long necks stretching upwards and their heads bent forward at a 90 degree angle. This pristine and tranquil lake is all yours to see and enjoy. Ample parking. Napa River Adventures staff will meet you on the dock.

Registration required; Boat Tour is Free* with a $55 donation to The Friends of the Napa River (non-profit).  Wheelchair accessible. Basic bathroom facilities. SPACE IS LIMITED. Children 12 and up. [HEN2] (707)-224-4768