The wide-open vistas, grassy fields, large ponds and oak woodlands of Lema Ranch offer quite a variety of bird species. Winter waterfowl, woodpeckers and sparrows are a particular treat this time of year and if we’re lucky, we might spot a Canvasback or a Merlin! Meet at 8:00 am at Gate 10 located at the end of Lema Road, just past the maintenance facility. Park on the right-hand side of the road by the maintenance facility. We will walk the paved trails to view all five ponds. There is a bathroom located near Gate 10. Rain cancels the outing. Contact Larry Jordan at webmaster@
Tag Archives | woodpeckers
Payne’s 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 early 2025 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: Paynes_Creek_Wetland-
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.
Nur Pon Open Space
Join Shasta Birding Society for a bird walk around Nur Pon Open Space. 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 non-native vegetation has been removed and the area fenced and secured. This easy walk of approximately 1.5 miles should take about three hours to identify the birds of river and oak woodland. Hiking boots are recommended for the river cobble areas. Nur Pon is off Hartnell Avenue at the intersection of Parkview Avenue and Henderson Road on the east side of the river. Note: dogs in the park are off leash. For more information email webmaster@shastabirdingsociety.org
Red Bluff Recreation Area, US-MNF
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.
Red Bluff Recreation Area, US-MNF
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)
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.
Trip Leader: Dan Bye, contact me by danbye56@gmail.com for more information.