Tag Archives | Wintu Audubon Society

The Ordinary Extraordinary Junco

Parts of “The Ordinary Extraordinary Junco” were presented at our meeting last January. People were intrigued as to what would be on the rest of this DVD by a lab in Bloomington, Indiana that is engaged in “The Junco Project”. We’ll resee the introductory chapter to prepare for chapters on diversification south of the Mexican border and evolution in action in the campus juncos at UCSD. The DVD ends with a summary on what we can learn from research on juncos. Join us for some surprising facts about our familiar winter friends, the juncos.

Great Gray Owls in Oregon

Harry Fuller is an Ashland-based birder and author who is currently writing a book on the Great Gray Owls of Washington-Oregon-California. He is also president of the Board of Directors of the Klamath Bird Observatory. Mr. Fuller will explore the mysteries and the facts surrounding this tallest North American Owl. The southern most members of the species are those nesting in scattered parts of California and Oregon. Klamath and Jackson Counties likely have the largest Great Gray population of any area in the Lower 48 States. He will talk about the owl’s ecology, habitat and threats. Some of the best data on the Great Gray Owl’s use of nest platforms comes from the Winema National Forest in Klamath County.

Fall River Valley Outing

This large well-watered valley east of the Cascades has been designated as an Important Bird Area by the National Audubon Society. Always a high species number destination, the Valley is a great place to see wintering raptors, various waterbirds and Sandhill Cranes. Meet your leader Bob Yutzy at the Redding Convention Center. Be ready for a full day with a lunch and water. Dress in layers of clothes 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 8:00 or the Fall River Vista at 9:00. Rarities are possible!

Local Weekday Bird Walk at Lema Ranch

Lema Ranch, an oasis of open space in Redding, is excellent year-around birding. The ponds, orchards, and fields of the McConnell Foundation Headquarters provide an abundance of bird species. We will look for Common Gallenules, Marsh Wrens, Great-tailed Grackles, Lark Sparrows and other Lema Ranch specialties. This will be a 2-3 hour walk on paved trails with fine public restrooms. Meet our leaders, Jeannette and Harvey Carroll, at the north parking lot off Hemmingway Street. Hemmingway Street is across from Mountain View school on Shasta View Drive.