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Tag Archives | raptors

Gray Lodge Wildlife Area

By on November 13, 2025 in

Gray Lodge’s diversity and location along the Pacific Flyway make it a haven for wildlife. Surrounded by miles of rich agricultural lands, the approximately 9,100-acre area is managed for the wildlife that call Gray Lodge home for all or part of the year. Reflective ponds, grassy fields and wooded riparian areas provide food, water and shelter for more than 300 species of resident and migrant birds and mammals. Meet at the Kutras Park parking lot at 6:30 am sharp to carpool or at parking area 14 at the refuge at 8:30 am. Bring a lunch and water as this is an all day event. It is not unusual to see over 50 species of birds at this location and is the only place I know to commonly find all three “Teals”. We will traverse the walking trail around the ponds, to the viewing platform and back to the parking lot. Following lunch we will drive the auto tour loop. Questions? Contact Larry Jordan at webmaster@shastabirdingsociety.org

Gray Lodge Public Access Map

A CDFW Lands Pass must be in possession by each visitor who is 16 years of age or older, however, visitors who are in possession of a valid California hunting or fishing license in their name are exempt from this requirement. Lands passes may be purchased on-line, by phone at (800) 565-1458, or in-person at locations wherever hunting and fishing licenses are sold. They are also available in the parking area at Gray Lodge for $4.50. Here is a link to the bird list: https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=88006&inline

Coleman Fish Hatchery/Battle Creek Wildlife Area Walk

By on October 19, 2025 in

Virginia Rail

Location of where we will meet: Parking area at 24411 Coleman Fish Hatchery Rd, Anderson, CA 96007 – Drop Pin Coleman Fish Hatchery 

Walking distance total estimated at 2-3 miles (3.5-5 km)

We will walk through sections of the fish hatchery and exit at the west gate to enter Battle Creek Salmon Trail. This 1.4-mile path will provide great access around ponds and views along Battle Creek with exceptional sections of riparian habitat.
We will quickly enter Battle Creek Wildlife Area where we will join the Oaktree Trail for an additional 1-mile walk through large tracts of oaks, willows, and many other native and non-native plants and trees. Under ideal conditions, we should see many waterbirds, raptors, and passerines within this 582-acre area of exploration.

One vehicle will be staged at parking area of Battle Creek Wildlife Area, and drivers will be shuttled back to Coleman Fish Hatchery parking lot and pick up others at the end of our walk. 

We will reschedule if rained out. 

Trip Leader: Dan Bye, contact me by email at danbye56@gmail.com for more information.

Second Saturday Bird Walk

By on September 30, 2025 in

Always wanted to learn more about birds but not sure where to start? Join Shasta Birding Society for a family and beginner friendly bird walk at the benches by the Sundial bridge at 9 am and discover the hidden world of birds all around us! We will start birding across the iconic Sundial Bridge and continue inside the botanical garden. The trail is wheelchair accessible and benches are found throughout. The walk will last about 1 hour. Binoculars are provided. Join our trip leader, David Garza and other local birders, as we take a leisurely one mile walk though one of Redding’s best birding hotspots. This walk will begin at the south end of the Sundial Bridge and take us north, across the Sacramento River to view waterfowl, woodpeckers, raptors, sparrows, and more. From the bridge there are excellent views of the river and surrounding mountains. On the other side of the river, and throughout the botanical garden, we will be able to find several species of songbirds. Raptors are common in the area, including the Bald Eagle and Osprey. Early autumn is a great time of year to find migrating birds passing thought the area, before they head further south. Park in the Turtle Bay Parking Lot. Rain cancels. Want more information? Contact Larry Jordan at thelarryjordan@gmail.com

Raptors and Birds of Butte Valley

By on April 24, 2025 in

 

All day event with CalPoly Humboldt Graduate Student: Elizabeth (Lizzi) D. Meisman. This is a unique opportunity to observe actual field research in action.

Touring Butte Valley where numerous species of raptors nest. Using scope and binoculars to watch adults forage, and possibly spot juveniles and fledged birds that are learning skills. CalPoly Humboldt graduate student, Elizabeth Meisman, will share knowledge she is gaining with her project and studies of the Swainson’s Hawk in this unique agricultural setting. Meet at the USFS Goosnest Ranger station along Highway 97 at 9am. Please bring water, lunch/snack, sunscreen, hat, a scope if you have one, and hopefully binoculars. The trip will be from 9 am and could go until 3 pm. The end time may be sooner depending upon weather conditions and participants’ needs. Likely species include Swainson’s Hawks, Golden and Bald Eagles, Sandhill Cranes, and many more! Meeting location: https://shorturl.at/nKDVH

Elizabeth Meisman is our trip leader for this exciting trip.

Directions: From Redding, take I-5 north 68 miles to exit 747 (hwy 97) toward Central Weed/Klamath Falls. Stay on hwy 97 for 36 miles to Gooseneck Ranger Station on your left.

Meet Co-Field Trip Leaders Larry Jordan at webmaster@shastabirdingsociety.org and Daniel Bye at danbye56@gmail.com at Kutras Park parking lot at 2400 Park Marina Drive at 7am sharp to carpool.

Coleman Fish Hatchery/Battle Creek Wildlife Area

By on March 2, 2025 in

Bald Eagle

Location of where we will meet: Parking area at 24411 Coleman Fish Hatchery Rd, Anderson, CA 96007 – Drop Pin Coleman Fish Hatchery – Walking distance total estimated at 2.5-3 miles (4-5 km). We will walk through sections of the fish hatchery and exit at the west gate to enter Battle Creek Salmon Trail. This 1.4-mile path will provide great access around ponds and views along Battle Creek with exceptional sections of riparian habitat. We will quickly enter Battle Creek Wildlife Area where we will join the Oaktree Trail for an additional 1.2-mile walk through large tracts of oaks, willows, and many other native and non-native plants and trees. Under ideal conditions, we should see many waterbirds, raptors, and passerines within this 582-acre area of exploration. One vehicle will be staged at parking area of Battle Creek Wildlife Area, and drivers will be shuttled back to Coleman Fish Hatchery parking lot and pick up others at the end of our walk. We will reschedule if rained out.  Trip Leader: Dan Bye, contact me by danbye56@gmail.com for more information.

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