Sunday December 1st, 2024
8:00 am – Noonish

Come join us for something a little different on Sunday. The Sacramento-Shasta Chapter of The Wildlife Society and The Shasta Birding Society are hosting a collaborative field trip at Kum Bay Xerel along the Sacramento River in South Redding. With the help of expert wildlife trackers, you can learn how to search for, and identify, tracks and sign found in nature. We will also be birding along the way as usual. Anyone interested in birds or learning about wildlife tracks is welcome.

The Sac-Shasta Chapter of TWS is a chapter of the Western Section of The Wildlife Society, and is comprised of over 300 active members throughout 23 counties in the Sacramento Valley and the interior mountainous region of Northern California. Founded in 1937, the Wildlife Society’s mission is “To inspire, empower, and enable wildlife professionals to sustain wildlife populations and habitats through science-based management and conservation.” The Wildlife Society enhances their members’ networking and learning opportunities, professional and career development, and provides numerous ways for them to get more involved in creating a better future for wildlife and their habitats. Nationwide, its members include nearly 10,000 wildlife managers, biologists, ecologists, and students.

Learn more about the Sac-Shasta Chapter of TWS here

Meet at the Parking Lot at 8:00 am. The parking lot is on Riverland Drive, about ½ mile south of Knighton Road off of I-5 exit #673, in South Redding. The first ¾ mile of the trail is paved and is great for birding along the river bank. There is an additional mile of dirt trails on adjacent BLM land where we will do most of the tracking. Expect wintering waterfowl on the water and many songbird species along the lush wooded riparian corridor, as well as raptors, including eagles, soaring overhead. Bathrooms are available in the parking lot.GoogleMaps link: Kum Bay Xerel

You are invited to come out to Kum Bay Xerel for a day of birding along the Sacramento River in South Redding. To get there take the Knighton Road Exit (#673) from I-5, turn west on Knighton Road and make an immediate left on Riverland Drive. Continue for about ½  mile and park at the giant blue geodesic sphere. The first ¾ mile is paved and wheelchair accessible. There is an additional mile of dirt trails on adjacent BLM land. Expect wintering waterfowl on the water and many songbird species along the lush wooded riparian corridor, as well as raptors, including eagles, soaring overhead. New bathrooms are available in the parking lot.

Join us on a birdy exploration of the City of Redding’s newest trail, Kum Bay Xerel. Once known as Riverland Drive Open Space, the area has been renamed in recognition of the Native American Wintu people in our community. Kum Bay Xerel means “Shady Oak Village” and now has a parking area and a paved, accessible trail of approximately one mile.
Meet Education Chair Tricia Ford at 9:00 am for a two to three hour easy stroll along the Sacramento River to watch a variety of water birds and warblers in the willows. There are no bathrooms at the open space.
Directions from Redding: From I-5 South, take exit 673 for Knighton Road. Turn right on Knighton Road and then make an immediate left onto Riverland Drive. Follow Riverland Drive a short way to the trailhead parking lot located in front of the Geodesic Sphere.