Saturday, July 31, 6am
Truckee to Tahoe Mountain Birding
Leader: Scott Hoppe, 835-8471, shoppe01@earthlink.net
We will be exploring some interesting, lesser known locations between Truckee and Tahoe. Possible locations include Coldstream Canyon, Page Meadows, Lake Forest and Pomin Park. Among the possible bird species are White-headed and Black-backed Woodpeckers, several warbler species, Pine Grosbeak, Evening Grosbeak and Red Crossbills. Hiking will be up to 2 miles at a time. Bring lunch and liquids. FRS radios are helpful. Meet Scott at 6am at the Park & Ride on Horseshoe Bar Road in Loomis, exit #110 off I-80.
Sunday, August 1, 7am
Sailor Bar, American River Parkway
Leader: Mark Martucci, 833-6722, matuchbirdman@yahoo.com
Join Mark for an early morning walk while it’s still moderately cool, and find what birds stay with us through the hot summer. This walk will end by 11am, or possibly earlier depending on the heat. Sailor Bar is at the south end of Illinois Avenue, off Winding Way, just west of Hazel. Sailor Bar is at the south end of Illinois Avenue, off Winding Way, just west of Hazel. There is a $5 per car entrance fee, if you don’t have a County Parks Pass. Meet Mark at the boat launch parking area at the very end of the entrance road.
Sunday, August 8, 7am
Shorebirds of the Sacramento Valley
Leader: Scott Hoppe, 835-8471, shoppe01@earthlink.net
August is a great time to view shorebirds in the Sacramento Valley on migration from their Arctic breeding grounds. Since ideal conditions change depending on water levels, we will visit areas with the best shorebird habitat. This may be in Yolo, Placer, or Sacramento County--or all three. This is a good chance to brush up on the common species and possibly find something unexpected. If you have a spotting scope, bring it, along with water and a snack. Meet at the Park & Ride off I-80 in West Sacramento. From Sacramento, take the West Capitol Ave. Exit #81; turn left at the light and then left again into the Park & Ride lot.
Tuesday, August 10
Evening Beaver Walk
Leader: Jack Hiehle, 967-0777
Join Jack for this summer evening walk to an area where beavers are active. Occasionally an otter or muskrat is seen as well, and Black Phoebes, herons and egrets may also be seen. As always, Jack will share his knowledge of the local plants to round out the evening. Trip is limited to 8 people, with a minimum age of 7 years, so call him to sign up and find the meeting time and place.
Saturday, August 14, 7:30am
Hidden Falls Regional Park, Placer Co.
Leader: Scott Dietrich, 208-4976, sed25@csus.edu
Explore this relatively new County Park near Auburn, acquired through the Placer Legacy Open Space Program. This is a great representation of local Blue Oak Woodland and Riparian habitat. We will see many foothill bird species such as Chipping Sparrow, Lark Sparrow, Hutton’s Vireo, Western Bluebird, Rufous Crowned Sparrow and maybe even some Yellow-breasted Chats, plus possibly Western Kingbird and several raptor species. Meet Scott at 7:30 am at the Hidden Falls parking area. Take I-80 east to Auburn and exit at the Hiway 49 off ramp going north toward Grass Valley. After about 2.8 miles, turn left onto Atwood Road. Atwood eventually becomes Mt. Vernon. At about 4 miles from Hiway 49, turn right onto Mears Rd and follow to Mears Place and the park. There are signs for the park along the way to help guide you. The trip will likely end by mid-day, but bring lunch and liquids.
Saturday, August 21, 7am
Marin County Shorebirds
Leader: Dan Williams, 419-9495, jaegermaestro@yahoo.com
Join Dan for this trip to the varied wetlands of Marin County in search of shorebirds. Possible locations include Novato Airport Ponds, Bolinas Lagoon, and/or Abbott's Lagoon at Point Reyes, depending on conditions and bird reports leading up to the trip date. Be aware, a visit to Abbott’s Lagoon involves a 2.5 to 3 mile hike. Meet at the Park & Ride off I-80 in West Sacramento. From Sacramento, take the West Capitol Ave. Exit #81; turn left at the light and then left again into the Park & Ride lot.
Sunday, August 22, 730am
Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area/ Davis Wetlands
Leader: Frank Gray, 723-5249, fgray4birds@aol.com
Join Frank for a trip mainly to wetlands. We will bird at the Yolo Bypass and then at the City of Davis wetlands and sewage ponds. Of particular interest is the possibility of seeing several species of migrating swallows, in addition to raptors, phalaropes and other types of shorebirds. Meet Frank at the Park & Ride off I-80 in West Sacramento. From Sacramento, take the West Capitol Ave. Exit #81; turn left at the light and then left again into the Park & Ride lot. Both beginning and more experienced birders welcome. Frank plans to bring a scope but extras will help. Trip likely will be over by noon.
Tuesday, August 24
Evening Beaver Walk
Leader: Jack Hiehle, 967-0777
Here’s another chance to watch the interesting evening activities along the river. In addition to the beaver, other mammals, birds and riparian plants are there to be enjoyed, and Jack will share his extensive knowledge of the parkway riparian life. Trip is limited to 8 people, with a minimum age of 7 years, so call him to reserve a space and find the meeting time and place.
Saturday, August 28, 7:30am
Bodega Bay
Leader: Andi Salmi, 691-7216, andisalmi@yahoo.com
Join Andi for a day of birding, exploring the many habitats around Bodega Bay. This is a fun coastal birding area, with many gulls, waterfowl, songbirds and raptors to see, in addition to possible shorebirds returning from their breeding grounds. Meet Andi at the Park & Ride off Highway 80 in West Sacramento. From Sacramento, take the West Capitol Ave. Exit #81, turn left at the light, then left again into the Park and Ride lot on the north side of the freeway. Bring food, water and warm clothes.
Sunday, August 29, 7:00am – 11:00am
SRCSD Bufferlands
Leader: Chris Conard, 362-5942, conardc@gmail.com
The Sacramento Regional County Sanitation District Bufferlands are 2,650 acres surrounding the wastewater treatment plant between Sacramento and Elk Grove. They are not typically open to the public. Habitat types include riparian forest, seasonal wetlands, grasslands, wildlife-friendly agricultural lands, and many habitat restoration sites. This is a good time of year to look for migrating songbirds. Be prepared for 2 miles of easy walking. From I-5 south of Sacramento, exit at the Meadowview/Pocket Rd exit (the first exit north of Laguna Blvd, and the first exit south of Florin Rd). Head east on Meadowview, then turn right (south) on Freeport Blvd. In one mile, just before the town of Freeport, turn left on Stonecrest and follow it over the freeway and south to a locked gate.
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