Join us for a 3.5-mile easy birding hike at the Iron Canyon trail on the Sacramento River Bend in northern Tehama County. The trail is on the Tuscan Formation, a vast and ancient volcanic flow that carried volcanic rocks and boulders from the Cascade Mountains down toward the northeastern part of the Central Valley. Due to the mixture of rocky grasslands, oak and juniper woodlands, and high canyon cliffs overlooking the Sacramento Valley and the surrounding mountain ranges, the landscape is home to a
fascinating array of birds. We may expect to see any or all of 4 falcon species: Peregrine Falcon, Prairie Falcon, Merlin, and American Kestrel. Other species likely to be encountered are Lewis’s and Acorn Woodpecker, Western Meadowlark, Horned Lark, Rock Wren, American Pipit, Western or Mountain Bluebird, Bald or Golden Eagle. Stay a bit longer after the hike, and we will bird at Hog Lake for waterfowl, just a 2-minute drive up the road.
Meet at the Iron Canyon trailhead at 7:15 am. The hike is easy but due to the rocky terrain, please wear sturdy hiking shoes.
GoogleMaps link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/3DzLjyJu7vsPvj4x6
Directions from Red Bluff: From Highway 99, take Highway 36 East toward Susanville/Lassen Volcanic National Park. Continue for 5.2 miles until you reach the gravel parking lot on the left.
Tag Archives | Prairie Falcon
Wintu Audubon Fall River Valley Outing
Always a high species number destination, the Valley is a great place to see wintering raptors, various waterbirds and Sandhill Cranes. Meet your leader Larry Jordan at Kutras Park at 7:30 sharp to carpool. Be ready for a full day with a lunch and water. Dress for changing weather. East-county participants can join the group at either the Park and Ride at the intersection of Hwy. 299 and 89 at 9 am or the Fall River Vista at 9:30 am. Rarities are possible! Contact Larry for more information at 949-5266.