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

We are again scheduling a visit to the ponds targeting waterfowl, shorebirds and migrating warblers. Assemble at the Treatment Plant’s Administration Building at the end of Metz Road at 7:30 am sharp to meet your leader, Larry Jordan. This is a 1/2-day trip that may end in the early afternoon if the birding is good. Directions to the Clear Creek Plant: Take Hwy 273 south, after crossing Clear Creek and past the Win-River Casino, take the second left turn at River Ranch Road and cross over the railroad tracks. Turn left on Eastside Rd. Entrance is at 2200 Metz Road on the right. Questions? thelarryjordan@gmail.com

Location: We will all meet at the Loomis Museum parking lot, located 1.1 mile from SR44/89 turnoff at the north-end park entrance. There is a park entrance fee, and all  annual or lifetime pass holders are allowed entry to the park.  

Walking distance total estimated at 1.7 miles (2.7 km) the trail is unpaved, but the views around the lake are spectacular. 

Manzanita Lake elevation is 5,900 feet surrounded by a mixed conifer forest, which provides a great habitat for a wonderful variety of bird species. We are hoping to catch some Warbler species on their fall migration south. 

We will reschedule if rained out. Watch for any changes that might occur on our SBS Website Calendar.

I do have two seats available for anyone in need of help with the park entry but you will need to contact me directly by email. Larry Jordan will also have three seats available to anyone who needs free access. The rideshare meet location will be at the Shingletown Library parking lot. Our departure is at 7:30am from the library. 

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

Location of where we will meet: 1000 Sale Lane, Red Bluff, CA. at the upper-level parking lot. South end of Sale Lane next to the Sacramento River Discovery Center. 

Walking distance estimated at 2-2.5 miles (3-4 km), and most of the trails are level and paved.

Please join us on a journey with many trails at this very diverse public land with no fees. Sacramento River bisects 488 acres, at this Recreation Area of riparian forest, flowering grasslands, wetlands, and oak woodlands providing very diverse natural viewing experiences. This location is Tehama Region’s number one eBird’s hotspot. Ideal spot for migratory species in the fall and spring seasons. Also, a great home for many varieties of Sparrows, Warblers, Wrens, Woodpeckers, Waterfowl, and Wading Birds. Both the Acorn and Nuttall’s Woodpecker, California and Spotted Towhee, House and Bewick’s Wren, Yellow-billed Magpies and Phainopeplas are often found here year-round.

Recommend that you bring comfortable rugged footwear, plenty of water, snacks, and insect repellant.

Rain will cancel this event, and feel free to email me to confirm on any possible cancellations.

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

Let’s go birding! Whether you are a seasoned birder or are newly interested and curious about birds, our friendly group will guide you on an easy walk through one of Redding’s largest open spaces. The trails along Churn Creek feature gently rolling hills with oaks and pines, open grasslands, and a lush creekside along the length of the area. 

Meet at the Parking Lot at 7:30 am. The parking lot is on the corner of Tidmore Ln. and Dakota Way, just south of College View Dr. The path is gravel and dirt. There are 2 loops to the trail, both about 1.5 miles, for a total of about 3 miles. We encourage everyone to go the distance with us, but you are, of course, free to cut out when you need to. Please dress in Iayers, and bring sun protection, water, and a light snack for yourself. The closest bathrooms at Lema Ranch or the Student Marketplace on College View Dr.

GoogleMaps link: Churn Creek Trail Parking