The Lema Ranch (home to the McConnell Foundation Headquarters) trails are paved, bathrooms are strategically located and offer various habitats: cattail-rimmed ponds, a large lake, open fields and oak woodlands. Past September trips have yielded some local specialties including Common Gallinule, Great-tailed Grackle, Lark Sparrow and Western Bluebird as well as resident waterfowl and songbirds. First of season in-migrators such as White-crowned Sparrow, Yellow-rumped Warbler and Ruby-crowned Kinglet are possible. One year we were privileged to see a variety of migrating warblers. Meet trip leader Linda Aldrich at 8:00 am in the parking lot off Hemmingway St., off Shasta View Drive for this ½-day outing.
Tag Archives | local weekday bird walk
Local Weekday Bird Walk at Arboretum Loop
This portion of Turtle Bay Exploration Park lies across the Sundial Bridge and loops around a natural area. Habitat is varied beginning with riparian along the Sacramento River, through a dense stand of valley and blue oaks, open grasslands and ends in blue oak woodlands. A wide variety of local birds should be encountered on this half-day jaunt. We will assemble in the parking lot for the Sundial Bridge.
Local Weekday Bird Walk at Battle Creek State Wildlife Area
A wide variety of habitats characterize this wildlife area east of Cottonwood including riparian along the creek, shallow ponds and open fields. The creek’s salmon runs attract Bald Eagles, often in good numbers in fall and winter. The ponds may contain Wood Ducks, Common Gallinules and other waterfowl. On a previous field trip, birders were startled when a Wild Turkey exploded in flight from tall weeds in an open field. Rare but possible sightings include Phainopepla and California Thrasher. The usual oak woodland species are sure to be seen. Join leader Linda Aldrich at the Battle Creek State Wildlife Area parking lot, reached by taking Hwy 273 to the Outlets Mall exit, then following signs for Coleman Fish Hatchery. The parking lot is on the right before you reach the fish hatchery.
Local Weekday Bird Walk at Oregon Gulch
Oregon Gulch consists of 385 acres supporting a mix of chaparral, blue oak, gray pine/oak woodland and an intermittent stream. This property was originally destined for a city landfill. When the landfill site was changed to the Igo area the City of Redding tried to sell the land to a developer. Wintu Audubon together with other local conservation organizations successfully appealed to the City to save Oregon Gulch as open space. Come explore the area with George Horn in all its spring glory. We should find some early spring migrants and enjoy spring wildflowers. We will car pool from the parking lot on the south side of the Redding Civic Auditorium. Do not drive individually to Oregon Gulch as parking is very limited and the road is rough. Wear sturdy shoes to traverse the stony trails.
Local Weekday Bird Walk—Clear Creek WasteWater Treatment Ponds
We are again scheduling a visit to the Clear Creek Wastewater Treatment Ponds targeting wintering waterfowl and very early migrating shorebirds. The 4-year drought exacerbated by improvements in tertiary treatment requiring fewer ponds has nearly eliminated habitat for these species. We expect the winter rains will create at least temporary habitat. Assemble at the Treatment Plant’s Administration Building at the end of Metz Road at 8:00 am to meet your leader, Jeannette Carroll. This is a ½-day trip that may end in the early afternoon if the birding is good.
Here are the directions to the Clear Creek Plant. Take Hwy. 273 and look for River Ranch Road after crossing Clear Creek. Cross over the Railroad tracks and turn left on Eastside Road. The entrance on Metz Road is on the right.