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Newville Ponds – Buckhorn Campground at Black Butte Lake Recreation Area

By on April 14, 2024 in

We will meet at the parking lot for Newville Ponds which is located on Newville Road west of Stoney Creek bridge. Map location at; https://goo.gl/maps/C78SVShicsrhr2QR7
These two unique locations that are part of the US Army’s Corp of Engineers, Black Butte Recreation Area. This recreation area is a great spot for migratory and residential birds, and in particular a good variety of waterbirds.

Newville Ponds, located north of the lake, are fed water through Black Butte Lake’s dam system that regulates lake levels and flow of Stoney Creek. This time of year, the dam releases are controlled for flood conditions. With our recent wet weather, several acres of developed wetlands should have formed making this area ideal for many varieties of waterbirds.

Buckhorn Campground, primary access of Black Butte Lake’s western shoreline, is heavily forested with blue oak habitat for several acres where many woodpecker and song bird species should be found nesting. The beach and lake areas are often filled with Gull, Grebe, and Shorebird species. Occasionally, we find Rock Wren and Swallows along the boat launch and draws to the south parking lot.

Entrance fees are $10.00 per vehicle, but federal annual and lifetime passes are honored at this Recreation Area. We always recommend carpooling. I will be leaving early from Red Bluff and if there is 1-2 people that would like to meet me for a ride from my location, please contact me by email at least two days before trip. danbye56@gmail.com

We recommend that you bring snacks, lunch, and plenty of water. Newville Ponds should be minimal walking which depends on water levels and accessibility. The best way to view Buckhorn Campground is walking through the many paths along campsites and woodland areas, so bring appropriate footwear. Birders from Redding will carpool from Kutras Park at 6:30am sharp.

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Iron Canyon Outing

By on January 29, 2024 in

Peregrine Falcon

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.

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