Tag Archives | raptors

Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge

THIS OUTING HAS BEEN MOVED TO SUNDAY THE 28TH DUE TO WEATHER CONDITIONS

Northern Shoveler Pair

On Sunday January 28th we will tour the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge. Caravan leaves the parking lot at Kutras next to the park at 6:00 am or meet at the parking lot at the refuge at 7:30 am. We will have walkie talkies to hand out to each vehicle. If we are lucky, the new visitor center will be open by then, if not, portable restrooms are located in the parking lot and at the half-way point on the auto tour at the viewing platform. Bring a lunch and snacks to eat during the tour and at our pause at the platform. There is an entrance fee, dependent on your age and situation, see the link below for information. Most of the drivers have a permit already.
https://www.fws.gov/refuge/sacramento/sacramento-nwr-complex-passes-and-permits

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Paynes Creek Wetlands

This is a no fee area and a very active hotspot this time of the year, especially with all the recent weather events we have had in 2023 so far. We are planning to meet at the Bass Pond Parking Lot at, 22459 Bend Ferry Rd, Red Bluff, CA 96080, at the main entrances to the Wetlands. Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/qQ89aRHfRg7gbHhDA

This half-day event should yield many varieties of waterbirds, raptors, woodpeckers, and many songbirds in this unique and open wetlands area. From the parking lot we will start with a walk on a two-mile loop through several ponds to the south side of the road. If time permits, we will take a short drive to Payne’s Creek Crossing to round out our journey.

Please contact Dan Bye, by text/cell 530 228 9373 or email danbye56@gmail.com for more information.

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Kum Bay Xerel Trail

Bald Eagle Calling

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.

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Battle Creek Wildlife Area

Meet at the Battle Creek Wildlife Area parking lot and kiosk at 8:00 am. We’ll hike the Oak Tree trail looking for wintering passerines, Picidae and raptors. We will then work our way upstream to the Coleman Fish Hatchery and bird the ponds looking for waterfowl, marsh and shorebirds and more raptors. We will set up a car shuttle to drive us back from the Hatchery to the Battle Creek parking lot.

Please note: A visit to the area requires the purchase of a CDFW Lands Pass. 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 online, by phone at (800) 565-1458, or in-person at locations wherever hunting and fishing licenses are sold.

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Fall River Valley Birding

This is a full day’s trip. Always a high species destination, the Valley is a great place to see wintering raptors, various waterbirds and Sandhill Cranes. We will spend a few minutes at the Pit River Falls and Canyon Vista Point, and another quick stop at Fall River Mills Cemetery, on the way to Fall River Lake. Depending on how long we spend at the lake, we will have lunch or head up to Rat Farm Road and Big Lake for lunch.  Meet at Kutras Park at 7:00 am 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 8 am or the Fall River Vista at 8:30 am. Rarities are possible! Contact Larry for more information at webmaster@wintuaudubon.org.

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