Wintu Audubon Society - Places to Bird

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This guide is divided into Central Shasta County, Northeast, North, Southeast, Southwest, and South Shasta County. Additional birding sites in Tehama, Siskiyou, and Humboldt Counties are included at the bottom of the page.

Where to watch birds and what birds to look for in September & October - by Bob Yutzy

After the hum drum days of late summer, birders look forward to this time of year more than any other. Why you ask? This is THE time when lost and out of place (rare) birds pass through our area and through the state. What time of the year are there more birds present to observe? Well, in the fall all the surviving juveniles are out there and so are all the breeding and non-breeding adults. Yes, some birds do not go to their nesting area to breed in their first and even their second year.

From September through the first part of October, migration of landbirds and shorebirds from the north are at their highest. Later in the October the passage of vagrants that are normally seen to the east and south of us may be found. Look for these species anywhere on the coast and at islands of vegetation at inland sites like Honey Lake. Our little Parkview Park along the Sacramento River across from the RV lot is sometimes a great spot for local migrants and as a bonus it can be birded in less that a ½ hour. Keep an eye out for mountain and basin breeders that may still pass through our area.

Something else we look forward to is the return of our first winter hawks and waterfowl as they typically start coming in during the latter part of October. Especially look for them in Fall River and other mountain valleys and nearby on Millville Plains. Kutras Park will have early water birds, gulls and a few shorebirds passing through. It seems like the hottest time for these goodies is just before, during, or after inclement weather hits us.

Did you know that many of the county’s best birds have been found during September and October. We have had Long-tailed Jaeger, Sabine’s Gull, Semi-palmated Sandpiper, Baird’s Sandpiper, as well as, regular uncommon species like Lesser Yellowlegs, Solitary Sandpiper, Pectoral Sandpiper and Red-necked Phalarope. You might note that these are all water-related species - so waterways are the best places to look for more of the same.

Have you ever been to a hawk watching site anywhere in the country? It’s a super experience and it’s highly recommended. Our nearest site, and the best western site by far, is the Golden Gate National Recreation Area on the Marin Headlands at the north end of the Golden Gate bridge. Golden Gate typically has rare hawks mixing in with oodles of all of our western birds. They even have regular but rare Broad-winged Hawks! This is a great place to learn the intricacies of hawk identification and it seems like everyone is eager to share their favorite identification tip. If you can’t make it to a known hawk watching site, try going up any mountain anywhere in late September or early October and look for hawks and falcons for this is their prime time as they pass through heading south for the winter.

Try a birding trip to any of the following during September and October: the Redding Sewer Treatment Ponds, Kutras Lake, Reading Island, Battle Creek Wildlife area, Parkview Park, Whiskeytown Tower District area, McCumber Lake, Fall River rice ponds or wet fields, and even Lema Ranch may hold a surprise or two.
For some there is nothing so exciting as checking your feeders for the first Dark-eyed Junco, White-crowned, Golden-crowned or Fox Sparrow of the winter. But, as always, please share your sighting with others on the Shasta Birders Yahoo group.

CENTRAL SHASTA COUNTY - Redding Area

Park Marina Dr. between South St. and Washington St. Gulls, ducks and geese, all water birds, blackbirds and grackles, falcons and eagles, and the like. Near the duck feeding area use your telescope to cover the whole bay, including the small swimming hole pond and the tops of the trees around the lake. Best birds that have been found here are Western, Glaucous-winged, Thayer’s, Mew and Laughing Gull, Red Phalarope, Pacific and Red-throated Loon; Horned and Clark’s Grebe; Red-breasted and Hooded Merganser; Bald Eagle; Merlin and Peregrine Falcon; Accipiters; Greater Scaup; Eurasian Wigeon; This is the easiest place to find Barrow’s Goldeneye.

After the winter birds arrive, Kutras Lake (actually a part of the Sacramento River) is a popular destination for Redding birders. Kutras Lake is across Park Marina Drive from the intersection of South Street. Public parking is available on the shore of the lake. People often feed the gulls (mostly ring-billed) and the ducks and geese found here. Rarities, such as pacific loon, and other birds not easily seen in Redding, such as horned and Clark's grebes, can sometimes be found at Kutras Lake. A pacific loon spent the winter there in 2000-2001. It is also a good place for gull watchers. Up to four species of gull are commonly seen (ring-billed, herring, first year glaucous-winged, and California) though ring-billed gulls are by far the most common. Ducks, including Barrow's goldeneye, common goldeneye, lesser and greater scaup, common merganser, and bufflehead are to be expected. Hooded merganser is sometimes seen in the small pond to the left of the parking area.

A little further north along Park Marina Drive, just past the Aqua Driving Range on the right, is a pond where American Wigeon, ring-necked duck, and black-crowned night heron are almost always present in the winter. Redhead and canvasback should be looked for as well. Take the first right past the driving range. There will be two roads very close together entering Park Marina Drive. Turn into the first road and park in the vacant lot. Cross both roads on foot and the pond will be right before you. The night herons roost in the feathery fronded plants on the other side of the pond.

Another few hundred yard down the road is another pond, the Round House Pond. It is much larger than the previous pond and can have some good birds. The north side of this pond borders on Highway 44. Access is across Park Marina Drive from a shopping center and just south of the motel and Shell service station.

Next parking lot to the West on Park Marina. The staff may check you out, just let them know you are birding. At the Western edge of the parking lot, take the path that goes down to the water and check the quiet bay on your left. From the Eastern or right edge of the lot, scope the birds on and around the white float barrels. On weekends you can go up the stairs to the offices next door to the right and look out over the water’s edge on the deck on the left and in between offices with sheltered and secluded views (especially good in the rain.) From the offices be sure to check out the western side of Kutras Lake straight out towards the river flow for other Kutras specialties. In the whole area look for Green Heron, Redhead, Canvasback, other ducks, grebes, gulls, sparrows, warblers & cormorants. A flock of Cattle Egrets landed here one day!

Next parking lot to the West on Park Marina. Drive out the right side drive and park on the gravel prior to the private drive signs. The bamboo and tall reeds on the west side of the pond are the easiest site in winter for Black-crowned Night Herons away from Fall River Mills. Look for Green Heron, Eurasian Wigeon, Canvasback, Redhead, wintering Hutton’s Vireo, sparrows and warblers. Hooded Orioles used to hang around the Palm trees in summer. You can walk across the drives into the large apartment area checking the oaks for wintering Hutton’s Vireo and looking at the waterway from different angles.

Next parking lot to the West on Park Marina. Pull in and look between the office building on the right and the tall circular motel building on the left. Scope around the round house and the whole bay for water birds, Eurasian Wigeon, and Hooded Merganser. Walk down the paved driveway to the water and look around to the right for Green Heron and Hooded Merganser. Lincoln’s Sparrows and warblers are often in the brush to the right. Go across the street to Kangaroo Courts and check out the winter flowering Eucalyptus trees for hummers, warblers and the like.

Continue West on Park Marina Dr. and turn right on Auditorium Dr. (going over 299 West) to the Civic Center. A one to two hour walk in the riparian area and along the river from one side of all the buildings to the other side of all the buildings can be good for wintering and migrating birds. Just over the freeway take the first right turn onto a gravel road traveling along the fence edge and park at the locked gate (or alternately you could park at the other end of the walk by the grass lawn and cement amphitheater platform on the river side of the Civic Center.) Take your scope to check out the water birds and hawks. Just behind the planted area of the trailer buildings on the right are several somewhat secluded ponds and waterways that often have Hooded Mergansers, Ring-necked Ducks and mud ducks. Eurasian Wigeon has been found here. Continue on the main trail along the river checking the water areas, river areas and the brush surrounding you for Red-shouldered Hawk, Bald Eagle, Accipiters, woodpeckers, warblers, sparrows and Hutton’s Vireo. Blue Grosbeak was found here on a Christmas Count. At the corner take the short rocky trail to the river’s edge and check the open waterway and stream edges for water birds and pipits. Continue back along the main trail by the river checking for Barrow’s Goldeneye and the brush for land birds, Merlin, Peregrine Falcon (especially across the river) and Accipiters. Red-breasted and Hooded Mergansers have been seen here. Continue along the trail which eventually comes out at the amphitheater lawn area. When you first get to the beginning of the museum developed area be sure and check the secluded river area on your right for water birds and hawks.

This birding location, along the Sacramento River near the Redding Convention Center and the Paul Bunyan Forest Camp, is a good place to see woodland and riparian species as well as birds that frequent the river. Herring and ring-billed gulls, common mergansers, mallards, Barrow's goldeneyes, great egrets, and green herons are just some what you may find along the river's banks in winter. Tree swallows nest in the woodland; white-breasted nuthatches, California quail, and Bewick's wren are common. In spring, check out the "Monolith" for cliff swallows in their clay nests. A good place to bird without walking far is to drive between the Convention Center and the river. In this location, the road is right next to the river and can be good for gulls. At the right time of year, spawning salmon can be observed. During times of low water, fly fisherman are often seen casting to invisible trout and steelhead.

Continue on Auditorium Drive to the parking area on the river alongside the Civic Center. Check the river for Herring Gulls, water birds and pipits. Check the brush along the river from here all the way to the stables for land birds. At the stable area check for Cowbirds, Lark Sparrow and the like. There is a public restroom here.

The trail follows both sides of the Sacramento River north of downtown Redding. One end of the trail is accessed on the south side of the river near the Dieselhorst Bridge, the other on the north side of the river from Caldwell Park. Expect to see numerous woodland and riparian species. Bill Oliver, our chapter president, has compiled a list of over 90 species seen on walks along the river trail.

From 299 west into Redding, take an immediate right turn on Liberty St., then right on Eureka Way and go straight into the cemetery. A good stop for migratory land birds and wintering species. Drive the perimeter from either side to either side, stopping and birding anytime you see activity. The corral area is best for bluebirds and sparrows. Look for Golden-crowned Kinglet, Brown Creeper, Slate-colored Junco, White-throated Sparrow, and hawks. Townsend’s Warbler has been found here several winters. Merlin and Accipiters are regular here. On the river side you look down for Goldeneyes and Bald Eagle or Osprey.

This site is across the river from Kutras Lake and a few minutes drive. Take Bechelli Lane North off Cypress Avenue and continue over and down the hill to the parking area. This area is good for sparrows, warblers, Hutton’s Vireo in winter and some of the same birds as across the river. Look for Glaucous-winged and Herring Gulls along the river. Mountain Bluebird has been found here. Follow the trail under the freeway leading along the river and you will get secluded views of the many deep water birds and gulls along here. White-winged Scoter, Long-tailed Duck, Barrow’s Goldeneye, Peregrine Falcon, Glaucous-winged and Herring Gull, Accipiters, and Bald Eagle may be here.

Bechelli Lane dead-ends at the East Turtle Bay fishing access, north of Cypress Avenue in Redding. This undeveloped natural area boasts a mixture of open fields, woodland, and riverine riparian habitat. While East Turtle Bay doesn't receive much attention from birders it it is nonetheless a worthwhile destination. On a good day in the winter, late fall, or early spring, one can see 30 to 40 species in an hour's time. Peregrine falcon has been seen here as well as merlin and sharp-shinned hawk. Hutton vireos are sometimes observed (winter). During migration warblers abound, especially upstream of the Highway 44 bridge. Bewick's wren, song sparrow, and ruby-crowned kinglet are frequently seen.

Take North Market St. (Highway 273) heading North out of Redding, go across the Sacramento River, turn right at the first street in towards the mobile home park and drive to the end parking area along the river. Take the trail along the river into the arboretum area to its end. Look for sparrows, Accipiters, Peregrine Falcon, Red-shouldered Hawk, and check out the river for Barrow’s Goldeneye, Red-breasted Merganser, herons and Spotted Sandpiper in winter.

The Arboretum is accessed from Arboretum Drive just north of the Sacramento River on the east side of Market Street (Highway 273). It contains much open land and has woodland and streamside settings. Sulphur Creek flows through the Arboretum and enters the Sacramento River there. Species seen here include tree swallow, spotted towhee, California towhee, mourning dove, American kestrel, northern flicker, and black phoebe.

Highway 44 East, South or right on Millville Plains Rd.; Horned Lark, Burrowing Owl, Prairie and Peregrine Falcon, Merlin, Accipiters, Ferruginous and Rough-legged Hawk, Loggerhead Shrike, Mountain Bluebird and Golden Eagle. Also migrating Sandhill Crane, Greater White-fronted Geese, Tundra Swan and rarely Swainson’s Hawk. Back on Highway 44, 1/4 mile or so past Millville Plains Rd., is a small seasonal pond that is sometimes good for mud ducks, blackbirds and sparrows.

Shasta View Dr. and Hemingway Dr., north of Highway 44. Take 2 plus hours to circle all the ponds and return to the main parking lot or drive to one of the other suburban entrances to have quicker access to Secluded Pond, Hidden Pond and Lema Pond. For directions see the map on the sign in the main Shasta View Drive parking lot. Look for American Bittern, Green Heron, Common Moorhen, Ring-necked Duck, Lesser Scaup, Great-tailed Grackle, Harris Sparrow and other sparrows, River Otter, blackbirds, Red-shouldered Hawk, Merlin, accipiters, woodpeckers and other oak woodland birds. The Minter Road suburbs access is a good central parking access.

Habitat:
Oak Forest
Agricultural Fields and Pastures
Open water
Riparian Forest

The campus of Shasta Community College is 5 miles east of Redding on Hwy. 299East. It offers a rich and varied habitat and is a regular site for local bird walks. The following 3- to 4-hour tour includes all the best habitats.

Begin at the North Parking Lot and walk towards the Cafeteria Building, thence southeast towards the Performing Arts Center. Just before reaching the Performing Arts Center is a small pond and a group of willows that is usually good for birds.

Proceed northwest between the Performing Arts Center and a classroom building to the East Parking Lot and the road bordering agricultural fields. Proceed north along this road keeping to the left towards the sewer ponds. On the left is a large field where Yellow-billed Magpies usually cavort. Opposite the sewer ponds a large group of oaks should be checked for birds. The sewer ponds often have an assortment of ducks and shore birds.

Stillwater Creek is nearby. The creek and its riparian woodland should be checked carefully, both south and north, as it is rich habitat for Brown Towhees, Lewis's Woodpeckers, Accipiters and Buteos . Continue north along the road and when the road starts to turn west a large pond on the left should be checked for dabbling ducks. At the far end of the pond turn left (south). The road passes through a wooded area with small openings where Lark Sparrows are often seen. Return to the North Parking Lot by continuing along the road.

Highway 299 West towards Eureka. Stop at the visitor’s center turning left at the top of the hill for rest rooms and a small natural history shop. Scope the lake from the parking area looking for loons, geese flocks, Bald Eagles, and gulls. Continue on to Brandy Creek boat launch area. Stop at each pullout (bear right at the spillway/dam), looking for loons, gulls, ducks/mergansers and geese in winter and migration. Yellow-billed Loon was found from these pullouts. Turn right into the Brandy Creek boat launch area looking for Hooded Mergansers in the quiet fingers of the lake areas, then drive to the edge near the boat launch area and scope for water birds and Eagles. Look for Common and Pacific Loons, Bald Eagle, Accipiters, phalaropes and other water birds. Great-tailed Grackle, Laysan Albatross, Red-necked Grebe and Red-breasted Merganser have all been seen here at Brandy Creek. In summer proceed on 299 West to the Tower House and bird for Spotted Sandpiper, Yellow-breasted Chat, Rough-winged Swallow, Wilson’s and Black-throated Gray Warblers.

HABITAT:
Evergreen Forest
Large Freshwater Lake
Streams (riparian)
Scrub (chaparral)
Oak Forest

Easily accessible from Redding, you’ll find good birding and good scenery
all year as the changing seasons offer something new every time you visit.

In spring and summer, expect to see Bullock's Orioles, warblers,
Northern Rough-winged Swallows, and American Dippers carrying out nesting
activities in the Tower House historical district. You will also hear Yellow-breasted Chat in that area and perhaps see one. Both Osprey and Bald Eagle nest in the park.

The lake itself hosts numerous water bird species in fall and winter, including occasional rarities such as Red-necked Grebe and unusual gulls.

DRIVING DIRECTIONS:
Take Highway 299 about six miles west of Redding (8 miles west of I-5).
Follow the signs to Weaverville/Eureka. Turn left into the visitor’s center.

You'll need to purchase a pass from the visitor's center (good for both Whiskeytown Lake and Lassen Volcanic National Park).

The road continues around Whiskeytown Lake from the end of the visitor’s center parking lot. Turn right when you have an opportunity to take the long bridge that crosses the lake.

The area offers many habitats to explore, so park and take a short walk off the main road. You'll likely find many areas at Whiskeytown Lake that appeal to you.

Tower House:
You’ll be rewarded with good birding if you continue west on 299
beyond the visitor’s center and Whiskey Creek Road
and then turn left (south) across 299 to visit the Tower House.
Take the trail from the end of the parking area, cross the long footbridge on Clear Creek, then turn left and cross Willow Creek (stream, riparian woodland, mixed conifer forest, and meadow). The Tower House area has much to explore.

SHASTA LAKE & HARBORS: (Shasta Dam, Bridge Bay, Holiday and Jones Valley Harbors, etc.):

Best birds are breeding Purple Martin and most swallows. Long-tailed Jaegar was found in fall 2003 near Shasta Dam. Look for gulls, loons and other water birds. Too often there are few birds on the lake.

…off Highway I-5 North or East to the McCloud Bridge: This is a fairly long drive. From the crest of the hill down for several miles is good mountain owl habitat. Pygmy, Screech, Saw-whet, Spotted and Great Horned Owl have all been heard here at night or predawn. Breeding bird counts along this route get Purple Finch, Black-chinned Hummingbird, Western tanager, House Wren, Warbling Vireo, Yellow-breasted Chat; Black-throated Gray, Orange-crowned, and Wilson’s Warbler, Black and Vaux’s Swifts, Bald Eagle. Eastern Kingbird was found on a breeding bird route at Ellery Campground entrance many years ago. On the far side of McCloud Bridge after the road has turned to gravel up in the large oaks and pines have been repeated sightings of Chestnut-backed Chickadee over the years. Farther on up in a few wet canyons in the pines and Madrone trees are breeding Winter Wrens and Pacific Slope Flycatchers further along the creek going down the other side. Past the second crossing of the creek, many miles in, have been breeding Calliope Hummingbird, Townsend’s Solitaire; Hermit, Nashville and Yellow-rumped Warbler, Red-breasted Nuthatch and Northern Goshawk.

Hilltop Dr. over I-5, on the west side, turn south on Palisades Dr. go to the end and park. Walk out the wet field to the cliff edge and scope below for overhead views of Barrow’s Goldeneye, White-Winged Scoter, Red-breasted Merganser, Long-tailed Duck, Glaucous-winged, Herring, Thayer’s and Western Gull, Peregrine Falcon, Bald Eagle. These same birds can more easily be seen from vacant lots at the bottom of Riverbend Rd. just to the west off Hilltop Dr. but access may be limited here in the future.

Beyond Whiskeytown on 299 west, take Trinity Mountain Rd. and the park is on your right. This is a good place for breeding Yellow-breasted Chat, Dipper, Wilson’s and Yellow Warbler, Tree and Violet-green Swallows, and other common and uncommon breeding birds. Continue birding along the stream and road edge along the way for a few miles. To find Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Mountain Quail, Wrentit, Cal. Thrasher, Orange-crowned and Black-throated Gray Warblers, Western Tanager, Lazuli Bunting and other hillside breeders take Highland Ridge Rd. (the narrow dirt road to the left heading steeply up the mountain for several miles.)

Located just west of Redding, the nearest major intersection is Buenaventura Blvd. and Placer St.

Go a short distance west on Placer St., then turn north onto Mary Lake Drive. You'll find plenty of lakefront parking

299 East, in the town of McArthur turn left on Main St., just east of the Fairgrounds. A high clearance vehicle is needed at times. Follow the rough dirt road through the gate going behind the fairgrounds. At the intersection with a fairly straight road (McArthur Swamp Rd.), take the road to the right going over the channel. Briefly check the channel out for Yellow-rumped Warblers or Teal. As soon as you cross the waterway note on your right there is a small sagebrush area back in the corner along the channel. This is where Brewer’s Sparrow was first found breeding and where one of the first county Northern Shrikes was found. Brewer’s Sparrows have only been found here a few times. As you drive out the road keep your eye out for Ferruginous, Rough-legged and Red-tailed Hawks, Prairie & Peregrine Falcons, Merlin and Golden Eagle, especially on the telephone/power lines and fence posts on you right. You might find Swainson’s Hawk in migration if you have the timing just right. Short-eared Owl has been seen many times on the left in the fields. You will often see wintering Horned Lark flocks (and they breed here too), check out the flocks for Lapland Longspur, found here almost annually. Park at the boat launch and restroom area. Sometimes this is a good area for sparrows and the first county Harris’ Sparrow was found here. Search the waterways and marsh areas. Look for Northern Shrike, Clark’s and Red-necked Grebe, Red-breasted Merganser, Osprey and Bald Eagle. This is also a good place to find White-faced Ibis. Blue-winged Teal and Long-billed Curlew have been found many times in June and probably breed here. At the boat launch area and the roadway gate on the left, walk out the lava rock road, checking the waterway and the brush down on your left. Swamp Sparrow has been found here in winter. Yellow-headed Blackbirds breed here in the summer. After you pass a small inlet, about a quarter mile further or so you will see the trail curve back to the left and there are major dike repairs. In small numbers Black Terns and Wilson’s Phalaropes breed here, especially if the dam has some notable leaking.

Follow the directions above to Rat Farm Rd. but go straight or bear left just prior to the water crossing and gate. A high clearance vehicle is definitely needed for this route! Search for wintering Lesser Yellowlegs and other shorebirds in the small channel on your right. Also look for Burrowing Owl, Short-eared Owl and Lapland Longspurs.

Off 299 East, past the town of McArthur, turn left on Lee Road. As soon as you turn look and listen for Pygmy Nuthatch in the big pines. Continue on Lee Road checking the roadside brush for sparrows. Burrowing Owl has been seen here. Look on the power lines, fences and in the fields for Rough-legged and Ferruginous Hawks, Prairie Falcon, Merlin, Horned Larks and longspurs. A Lawrence’s Goldfinch was found in winter one year. At the intersection with Pittville Toten Road turn right and check the barns and fields out for Harris’ Sparrow and other sparrows which have been found here. Back on Lee Road, at the end at Bar D Bar Ranch (friendly to birder people) look for Northern Goshawk, Townsend’s Solitaire, Barn Owl, Porcupine, Tundra Swan and shorebirds and water birds in the ponds and fields.

Note the Bank Swallow colony in the town of Fall River Mills just east of the river crossing across from the service station. Just west of the river crossing take the side street to the right past the ball park and continue beyond all the houses and go into Fall River Lake. More Bank Swallows nest here. Across the lake Vesper’s Sparrow’s nest and you can sometimes see Black-billed Magpie. In winter and migration look for loons, Bald Eagle, Western and Clark’s Grebe, Evening Grosbeak, Townsend’s Solitaire, Mountain Chickadee, Purple Finch and sparrow flocks.

…east of McArthur Rd.: Check the rice fields and fallow fields. Go straight past the Glenburn Church and check the rice fields on the left. Look for Avocet, Stilt and other shorebirds, Tri-colored and Yellow-headed Blackbird. On the right in the fallow fields check for Lapland Longspurs. Black-billed Magpies are sometimes around the ranches. A few pairs of Sandhill Cranes nest in the central Fall River/McArthur area centering around Glenburn church. At the church in the lone tiny pine tree in front Screech Owl was found on one Christmas Count. Harris’ Sparrow has been found here and at the abandoned house across the street many times in winter.

HORR RD., OSPREY RD. AND CREIGHTON RD.: North on McArthur Rd. (A19) from the Glenburn Church, turn right on Island Rd. Look for sparrows along the brushy roadsides and Rough-legged Hawk. At the first creek crossing area look for White-tailed Kite, Eurasian Wigeon, sparrows in the tall reeds and Northern Shrike. A Harlan’s Hawk was in this area for several years. Check the ranch areas and fields prior to Horr Road looking for geese, hawks and eagles. Turn right on Horr Rd. Check for sparrows, hawks and falcons, Northern Shrike, and near the end of the road look for Lapland & Chestnut Collared Longspurs with Horned Larks in the field.

On McArthur Rd. heading to Dana, turn right on Thousand Springs Rd. toward Timbered Crater. Look for sparrows and hawks. On your left will be a somewhat hidden view of Spring Creek, look for water birds. Tufted Duck has been found here several years. Continue along the creek and cross the bridge. Stop here and check the waterways and brush. Standing on your highest ground on the right, look off to the right and scope the waterway across the cow pasture into the Spring Creek Ranch area. Hooded Merganser, Wood Duck, Green-winged Teal and Black-crowned Night Heron can be found here in winter. Black and Vaux’s Swifts, swallows and various warblers have been found here. Continue on to the next water crossing just prior to the corral and park here. Look for Pygmy Nuthatch, Townsend’s Solitaire, Purple Finch, Chipping Sparrow and Black-billed Magpie. If the corral gate is open, walk to the back of the corral and check the small pond for flycatchers, sparrows, riparian birds and mud ducks. Continue back on the road toward Timbered Crater looking for Black-billed Magpie, Bald and Golden Eagles. When the road opens up from the pines there is a tiny/small fenced impoundment area on the left. Park just beyond here and search the right side for Rock Wren, Northern Shrike and Chipping Sparrow. This is the site of one or two pairs of breeding Black-throated Sparrows in most years. Also Brewer’s Sparrows breed here. A Broad-tailed Hummingbird was in this area in migration. For a short distance you can keep looking for rocky brush birds along the road. Further on Timbered Crater is very near the county line and can have mountain woodpeckers and birds, though it is often not very birdy.

Intersection: The best place in the county for breeding Lawrence’s Goldfinch. The only county record of breeding Cedar Waxwing was here. Red Crossbills have been seen and heard here. Look for Purple Finch, Downy Woodpecker, House Wren, Western Bluebird, Chipping and other sparrows. During migration, Broad-tailed Hummingbird has been seen at the feeders around the first few houses on Jim Day Rd. Walk from the mobile homes on one side to the far corner of the fenced impoundment to the right angle turn. On the road back heading to the town of McArthur, look for breeding Wilson’s Snipe and Willet in the wet fields, and also Horned Lark. At the bridge crossing stop and bird for Northern Oriole, Lazuli Bunting, Yellow and Wilson’s Warbler; Cliff, Violet-green, Barn and Tree Swallows; American and Lesser Goldfinches, Green Heron, House Wren and Black-headed Grosbeak.

Off Highway 89. Although difficult to see, Purple Martins breed here. They nest in the top of two dead tree tops on the northwest side of the lake, to the right and up above the parking area. There is a rough trail leading the ½ mile or so up to the trees. Follow the edge of the lake while going up the mountain side. Also look around the lake for House Wren, Bald Eagle, swallows, swifts, brush birds and Purple Martins.

Off Highway 89. Black Swifts nest here. Outside the park on the highway one can see both Black and Vaux’s Swifts above the treetops. Hermit, Black-throated Gray, McGillivray’s, Wilson’s, Nashville, Yellow-rumped and Yellow Warblers can all be found here. Also look for breeding Red-breasted Sapsucker, Western Tanager, Cassin’s Vireo, Western Wood Peewee and Evening Grosbeak. Walk the main Fall’s trail on each side and bird the campground loops. Drive the park roads looking for mountain breeders, and especially, woodpeckers. Birding can also be fairly good around the boat launch and swimming area.

HABITAT:
Evergreen Forest
Big Lake
Streams (riparian)
Oak Forest

Elevation is 3,000 feet. The park is within the Cascade Range
and Modoc Plateau natural region. Burney Creek runs through the park
as do five miles of forested hiking trails. Varied habitat and a large lake
offer a variety of good birding.

You’ll want to see the colony of Black Swifts nesting in the cliffs near Burney Falls. Stand at the lower viewpoint close to the falls and watch upward. The Black Swifts generally arrive by the first week in May,
and are gone by the first freeze of autumn. American Dippers also nest near the falls.

DRIVING DIRECTIONS:
Drive east of Redding on Highway 299 for about 60 miles
and turn left (north) onto Highway 89 just past Burney.
Go 5 miles north on Hwy 89 and watch for signs to the park on the left.

Lake Britton (9 miles long) is north of Burney Falls
via either the park campground road or Highway 89 (past the park turn-off).
There’s a campground where 89 crosses the upper arm of the lake.
Look for Ospreys, Bald Eagles, and other open water
and shoreline birds at the lake.

Going north on highway 89 & 44, prior to Old Station, about 1 mile east past the entrance to Big Pine Campground, just past the intersection on the left with Forest Service Rd. 34N78 is a small pullout on the right by some willows. Look for Dipper; Wilson’s, Yellow and McGillivray’s Warblers; Tree and Violet-green Swallows, Western Wood Peewee, swifts, woodpeckers, Evening Grosbeak and Brewer’s Blackbirds. A White-throated Sparrow was found here in migration.

Off Highway 89 continue past the tiny town on Cassel Fall River Rd. to the small pond on your left. Look for Lewis’s Woodpecker, Wilson’s Warbler, House Wren, and in winter Eurasian Wigeon and other ducks. Going back to the town and post office, turn right just past the river crossing into the fishing, camping and parking area. Continue past the end of the camping area taking the back road to Baum Lake. At Baum Lake take an immediate right and go across the narrow bridge and park. Bird here looking for Black-crowned Night Heron, Dipper, Wilson’s Warbler and water birds. Drive back to the Baum Lake parking area birding the pond on your left for rails and marsh birds and the waterway on your right. The large grove of trees on your right have had flycatchers in migration and Red-naped Sapsucker. Look for Osprey, Bald Eagle, ducks and geese, snipe, other shorebirds, swallows and blackbirds. Look for Lewis’s Woodpecker around any of the roads to and from Cassel and Baum Lake.

…on the southern road to Cassel: Go north on 89 prior to the intersection with 299, take Cassel Road going east. Bird the ranches and edges of forest and field. At the river crossing park and bird the marsh and riparian area. Look for Night Herons, Wilson’s and Yellow Warblers, blackbirds, woodpeckers, swallows sparrows and Marsh Wren. Broad-tailed Hummingbird and Evening Grosbeak have been seen here. Continue on to Cassel Pond and Baum Lake.

NORTH SHASTA COUNTY - Squaw Valley Road Area

North of Dunsmuir on I-5 take the McCloud highway 89 exit, at the bottom of the hill take Squaw Valley Road (Highway 11). In breeding season, stop at the small marsh on both sides of the road (in Siskiyou County) listening for Willow Flycatcher so you can get its song when you check for it later at the beginning of Squaw Valley Road. Bird from the beginning of Squaw Valley Road for five miles or so. This is the only known site for breeding Willow Flycatcher and Swainson’s Thrush in the county. Look and listen for the Swainson’s Thrush in the extensive medium height marshes on the right. Nashville, Hermit, Black-throated Gray, Yellow and McGillivray’s Warbler are all along the road. Also look for Red-breasted Sapsucker, Lazuli Bunting, Hermit Thrush, Western Tanager, Cedar Waxwing, Golden Eagle and Peregrine Falcon.

I-5 at Castella. Bird from the beginning of the road to the Castle Crags State Park entrance. The Park is good for Mountain Quail, Western Tanager, Black-headed Grosbeak, Black-throated Gray Warbler, Western Wood Peewee, Warbling Vireo and other riparian, coniferous forest and brush birds. Go back and take Castle Creek Road further in. Check the stream for Dipper, Spotted Sandpiper and Common Merganser, and the stream side areas for Yellow, McGillivray’s and Wilson’s Warbler, Warbling Vireo. In the forest check for Cassin’s Vireo, Black-throated Gray, Hermit and Audubon’s Warbler. On the steep hillsides as you climb, note the fantastic views of Castle Crags (worth the trip any time of the year) look for Pileated Woodpecker, mountain warblers, Dusky and Hammond’s Flycatchers, Peregrine Falcon, Northern Goshawk. At the marsh just over the top of the mountain, look for breeding Lincoln’s Sparrow, Cassin’s and Purple Finch; Hermit, Yellow-rumped, Wilson’s Warbler; White-headed Woodpecker and Red-breasted Nuthatch. Go a few miles past the marsh at the top or possibly to the first bridge on the creek (for breeding Dipper) before turning around and heading back.

Highway 44 East of Redding. At Manzanita Lake take the trail around the lake and bird the campground areas. Look for Dipper; Hermit, Audubon’s, Yellow, McGillivray’s, Nashville, and Wilson’s Warblers; Vaux’s and Black Swifts, Tree and Violet-green Swallows, Townsend’s Solitaire; Red-breasted Sapsucker; Black-backed, White-headed, Hairy and Downy Woodpecker. Reflection Lake is an historical spot for breeding Black-backed Woodpecker. Also look for breeding Bufflehead and Red-breasted sapsucker. At Crags Campground look for Williamson’s and Red-breasted Sapsucker, Pileated Woodpecker. At Hat Creek Lake take the trail by the lake and look for Lincoln’s and Chipping Sparrow, McGillivray’s Warbler, Spotted Sandpiper and Dusky Flycatcher. At Summit Lake Campgrounds and nature trail, spend some time looking for Williamson’s Sapsucker (best place in the county), Black-backed Woodpecker and other mountain breeders. At Bumpass Hell parking area look for Calliope Hummingbird and Blue Grouse. At Mount Lassen Peak look for Clark’s Nutcracker, Northern Goshawk and migrating hawks. Hiking the lengthy and steep trail to the mountain top may get you breeding Gray-crowned Rosy Finch over the west edge around the snow piles, as this is the only regular site in the county. At an inclement weather change, Rosy Finches were seen in the parking area.

LASSEN VOLCANIC NATIONAL PARK Including Manzanita Lake and Summit Lake
contributed by Phil Aldrich

HABITAT:
Evergreen Forest
Mountain (over 5,000')

The Lassen Park area boasts 150 miles of trails, many pull-over parking areas, and can offer birders a selection of habitat not available at lower elevations.

The highest elevations and Lassen Park Road are usually closed from late October through mid-June due to snow. Be prepared for cool spring and fall temperatures. Expect beautiful scenery and a memorable birding experience.
Especially noteworthy are Goshawk, Blue Grouse, Gray-crowned Rosy Finches, White-headed Woodpecker and Clark's Nutcracker.

You'll need to purchase a pass to enter the park (good for both Whiskeytown Lake and Lassen Volcanic National Park)

DRIVING DIRECTIONS:
Take Highway 44 east of Redding for about 45 miles.
Turn right (south) on Lassen Park Road (Hwy 89 south) to Manzanita Lake.

You'll find birds in the Manzanita Lake area which offers many opportunities to park and explore. You’ll find a trail that circles Manzanita Lake beginning near the Ranger Station and several other locations (follow the signs).

Look for birds at Crags Campground, about 5 miles east of Manzanita Lake
on the Lassen Park Road.

Dersch Meadows extends for a couple of miles along the east fork of Hat Creek. One of these meadows is bisected by the main road and is easily accessible about 1.5 miles north of Summit Lake (roadside marker number 39).

Continue south on Lassen Park Road to Summit Lake
(a left turn just past the second Ranger Station on Lassen Park Road / Hwy 89 south - follow the signs). There are campgrounds at both ends of Summit lake
(north and south) and a trail circling the lake that connects with a much longer trail leading to Echo Lake and Twin Lakes. Expect birds and a pleasant walk.

At Kings Creek Meadows, about 4.5 miles south of Summit Lake
on the Lassen Park Road, you are at 7,400 feet elevation.
The forest is more open.

A hike to the top of Lassen Peak gives you a chance to see Gray-crowned Rosy-Finches which breed there. Expect spectacular scenery, some raptor sightings, and an invigorating hike. You may even see a Prairie or Peregrine Falcon, or a Golden Eagle putting on a spectacular show. It’s about 2.5 miles to the summit, with 2,000 feet elevation gain. Many people of all ages complete this climb to the summit in all sorts of footwear so don't miss the opportunity if it appeals to you and common sense allows it.

Take highway 44 East of Redding, on the way to Lassen Park. Around the housing developments look for Chestnut-backed Chickadees (the best area in the county), Mountain Chickadees, Purple Finch, and Chipping Sparrow. Sometimes Lincoln’s Sparrow can be found singing in the marshy woodlands around here. Pileated Woodpecker is pretty regular around the whole area.

Take highway 44 East of Redding on the way to Lassen Park. This is a good birding area almost anytime of the year. Look for Pileated Woodpecker, Dusky Flycatcher, swallows; Wilson’s, Hermit, and Nashville Warblers; Chipping Sparrow, House Wren, Bald Eagle, Western Bluebird, Purple Finch, Dipper, Spotted Sandpiper, Wilson’s Phalarope, Wilson’s Snipe, Wood Duck, migrant shorebirds, Western Tanager, Western Bluebird, Red-breasted Sapsucker, Mountain Chickadee and Red-breasted Nuthatch. Drive the road around the left side of the lake birding where you can.

Out of Old Station take highway 44 toward Susanville. Take road 32N21 to Butte Lake. This is a fairly long route that goes back into Shasta County from Lassen County. Look for Mountain Bluebird, Black-backed Woodpecker, Williamson’s Sapsucker, Hermit Warbler, Hammond’s Flycatcher and other high mountain breeders.

SOUTHWEST SHASTA COUNTY - Igo/Ono Area

Take Placer Road (A16) out of Redding. Bird the dry river crossings all along the route. Look for Golden Eagle and Lawrence’s Goldfinch. Look for oak woodland birds, including Blue-gray Gnatcatcher everywhere. At Igo, take Zogg Mine Road past the developed area and at the intersection of another road heading to the right, look for the small colony of Grasshopper Sparrows found breeding in this general area. Look for low or short grass fields with occasional singing perches on mild hillsides. The birds are often seen on the fence lines. Continue on to Platina and check the riparian area for Wilson’s and Yellow Warblers. You can continue down to Beegum birding along the way. All along the route on steep hillsides of chemise, check for Sage Sparrows and brush birds.

Located east of Anderson. Follow Balls Ferry Road and Ash Creek Road (A17),
then turn left on Parkville Road. Parkville Road runs north & south and connects
Ash Creek Road and Dersch Road.

Directions: From I-5 just south of Anderson take the Deschutes Road (Anderson Factory Stores) exit. Turn East a mile or so on to Balls Ferry Road . Turn right on Balls Ferry Road . Turn left on Ash Creek Road where Balls Ferry Road makes a sharp right turn. Cross the Sacramento River at Balls Ferry and follow Jellys Ferry Road south along the east side of the Sacramento River . The Battle Creek State Wildlife Area straddles Battle Creek and the county line between Shasta and Tehama Counties . The Shasta County portion is more developed. To reach it, take Gover Road towards the Coleman Fish Hatchery and look for a sign, parking area and kiosk on the right. A trail leads to riparian woodlands, fields, marshes and Battle Creek itself. Spectacular runs of salmon in the late fall and winter attract dozens of Turkey Vultures and Bald Eagles. As many as 15 Bald Eagles have been observed in the air at one time. The marsh supports Wood Duck, Sora and Virginia Rails. California Thrashers are found along the edge of the field. On the Tehama County side the Wildlife Area extends both East and West of Jellys Ferry Road. Small parking areas are available on both sides of the road. The area to the West (down stream on Battle Creek ) is mostly a weedy field bordered by riparian woodland. California Thrashers and Phainopeplas have been found at the far end of the field. The East side is oak savanna on a ridge above Battle Creek that affords great views of Bald Eagles in the early and mid winter.

CENTRAL SHASTA COUNTY - Redding Area

NORTHEAST COUNTY - Fall River/McArthur Area

NORTH SHASTA COUNTY - Squaw Valley Road Area

SOUTHEAST COUNTY - Lassen Park Area

SOUTHWEST SHASTA COUNTY - Igo/Ono Area

SOUTH SHASTA COUNTY - Anderson/Cottonwood Area