Both birds and the spring vernal pool wildflower displays are on the menu for this half-day trip. We will look for Ferruginous Hawk, Merlin, Prairie Falcon, Shrikes, Say’s Phoebe and other open country denizens. Bring a lunch. Meet trip leader, John Winchell, at the Kutras Park parking lot for carpooling.
Tag Archives | Second Saturday Bird Walk
Second Saturday Bird Walk at Cascade Park
If this years walk is anything like last year, there will be lots of Western Bluebirds. The amount of waterfowl we see will depend a lot on the amount of water being released from the Shasta Dam, but we have seen Mallards, American Wigeon, Canada geese, Pied-billed Grebes and Wood Ducks if we are lucky. The old Cottonwood trees attract Northern Flicker and Acorn Woodpeckers. Spotted Towhee and California Towhee love the brush. California Quail frequent the park but are often hiding as many people walk their dogs in the park. Great Blue Heron and Great Egrets are typical visitors. Turkey Vultures are regular inhabitants and often roost in the taller trees at night. Robins are usually busy in the lawn areas if the berries are all gone.
After the park walk, birders are invited to inspect Carroll’s backyard bird feeders a few blocks away. White Breasted Nuthatches, Lesser Goldfinches and House Sparrows are guaranteed at Carroll’s place at 3111 Island Drive. Mallards are available there 12 months of the year. A cup of coffee or tea is available as well as bathroom facilities. Everyone is welcome.
Second Saturday Bird Walk at Mary Lake
Mary Lake is a delightful neighborhood lake in West Redding. Meet trip leader Sally NeSmith (831-535-2888) at trail head on Lakeside Drive (right past Ridge Drive). Waterfowl are always present, with raptors, herons, egrets, and early migrants. Part of the walk was burned during the Carr Fire, so it will be interesting to see which birds are around now.
Second Saturday Bird Walk at Clear Creek Wastewater Treatment Ponds
We are again scheduling a visit to the ponds hoping to find migrating waterfowl, shorebirds and passerines. Assemble at the Treatment Plant’s locked gate at the end of Metz Road at 8:00 OR meet at Kutras Park at 7:30 am to carpool with 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 and look for River Ranch Road after crossing Clear Creek. Cross over the Railroad tracks and turn left on Eastside Rd. Entrance is on Metz Road on the right
Second Saturday Bird Walk at Lema Ranch
Lema Ranch offers various habitats: Cattail-rimmed ponds, several lakes, open fields and oak woodlands. These varied habitats provide good birding in all seasons. Possibilities include Common Gallinule, Green Heron, Lark Sparrow, Western Bluebird, Red-shouldered Hawk and Osprey. Meet trip leader Larry Jordan, at 8:00 am in the parking lot at Hemingway Road off of Shasta View. Questions: 949-5266.