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Grace and Nora Lakes

By on October 30, 2023 in

Join trip leader David Garza for a half day trip to two under-visited locations located a short 1.5-mile drive south of Shingletown. Grace and Nora Lakes are owned and managed by PG&E and access is allowed for recreational use. The water levels are low lately, but we anticipate some waterfowl, forest passerines and woodpeckers around the lakes in the immediate vicinity. The terrain is flat and the hiking is easy. Meet at the gravel parking lot on the west side of Park Maina Drive/Kutras Lake at 8:00 am to carpool/caravan or meet at Grace Lake at 9:00am. You can reach Grace Lake by taking Wilson Hill Road south from Shingletown for approximately 0.9 miles, then turning east on Manton-Ponderosa Way (gravel surfaced) for 2/3 of a mile to Grace Lake. We will hike to Nora Lake and environs from there. Map: https://rb.gy/cm9dl

RAINED OUT

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Newville Ponds – Burris Creek at Black Butte Lake Recreation Area

By on September 26, 2023 in

Cinnamon Teal Pair

We will meet at the parking lot for Newville Ponds which is located on Newville Road west of Stoney Creek bridge. Map: https://goo.gl/maps/C78SVShicsrhr2QR7  Why would you want to visit these two unique locations that are part of the US Army Corps of Engineer’s Black Butte Recreation Area? For the birds of course, and in particular, vast numbers of waterbirds. Newville Ponds, North of the lake, are fed water through Black Butte Lakes Dam system that regulates the flow of Stoney Creek. This time of year, the dam release can be large which allows water releases to spread out across several acres creating ideal habitat for many waterbirds of many varieties. Burris Creek, primary access of Black Butte Lake’s Southern Shoreline, begins to recede in the fall where the shore begins to widen at a very shallow section of the lake. This too becomes ideal for waterbirds. Burris Creek also has the added feature of large dense willow trees, flowering plants, and prime oak woodlands for those non-waterbird species. Entrance fees are $6.00, but federal annual and lifetime passes are honored at this Recreation Area. We always recommend carpooling and instruction regarding where to meet might be available on website. Daniel Bye will lead this Bird Walk, please bring insect repellant, lunch or snack and plenty of water, Burris Creek may require some walking and the ground conditions vary from wet to dry, so please be prepared.

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Lake McCumber Outing

By on September 26, 2023 in

Belted Kingfisher Female

On Saturday October 7th we will be birding Lake McCumber with our trip leader David Garza. Meet in the parking lot adjacent to the Dam at 9:00 am. We will be looking for late summer visitors, early waterfowl and shorebirds and the usual forest residents. From Redding, head east on Highway 44 and turn left (north) on Lake McCumber Road, about 7 miles east of Shingletown. The Dam and parking lot are about 2 miles north on Lake McCumber Road. Bring a lunch, daypack and water, spotting scope for long range birds across the lake, dress for changeable weather and some rocky terrain, rain cancels. Map: https://tinyurl.com/jdu9uujv

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Nur Pon Open Space

By on August 29, 2023 in

Nashville Warbler

Join Wintu Audubon Society for a bird walk around Nur Pon on Saturday, September 23 at 8:00 am. Nur Pon, or “Salmon Run” in the Wintu language, was once known as Henderson Open Space before the City of Redding and numerous other agencies began a restoration project that established a side channel along the Sacramento River for salmon spawning. The parkland has been cleared of debris, much of the nonnative vegetation has been removed, the area fenced and secured, and more restoration work is underway. Wintu Audubon Education Chair Tricia Ford will lead the easy walk of approximately 1.5 miles, taking about three hours to identify the birds of river and oak woodland. Binoculars will be available for loan. Hiking boots are recommended for the river cobble. Bring water and a snack. Nur Pon is off Hartnell Avenue at the intersection of Parkview Avenue and Henderson Road on the east side of the river. Park behind the Cobblestone Shopping Center (once the site of Raley’s Supermarket) inside the wrought iron fence.

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Lema Ranch Walk

By on August 29, 2023 in

Join Wintu Audubon Society for a bird walk around Lema Ranch on Saturday, September 16 at 7:00 am. We will be birding the oak woodlands and ponds at the Ranch on fairly level paved paths. Depending on the weather, we will bird the Mule Loop and possibly the longer Leah’s loop route. We expect some late summer birds and early migrants and waterfowl. Bring water and a snack. Park and meet at the north end of Lema Road.

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