Field Trips, Feb 6 through Feb 15th, 2010
Scheduler Richard Barbieri, 966-4603, offleash56@yahoo.com
February 6, 7:30am
Lincoln Grasslands
Leader: Scott Hoppe, 835-8471, shoppe01@earthlink.net
We will search the back roads of western Placer County for raptors, waterfowl, Tri-colored Blackbirds and Lewis’ Woodpeckers. This area is known for high concentrations of wintering raptors (up to 12 species can be seen in a day), and is also a magnet for wintering ducks and geese. Meet Scott at the Brookfield’s Restaurant parking lot, 1817 Taylor Road, in Roseville. From Sacramento on I-80, take the Eureka Road offramp (Exit 105A) and continue straight through the signal light at Eureka Road and you’ll be on Taylor Road. Turn left just past the Shell Station. Brookfield’s is behind Shell. Bring lunch, scopes and FRS radios if you have them.
Sunday, February 7, 7:30am
Yuba County Wetlands
Leader: Richard Barbieri, 966-4603, offleash56@yahoo.com
Streams and rivers draining from the foothills to the valley and farmers’ irrigation help to create these wetlands and winter habitat on surrounding properties. Join Richard on a trip to one of his favorite places to bird while he looks for ducks, geese, shorebirds, and birds of prey. Meet Richard at the Brookfield’s Restaurant parking lot, 1817 Taylor Road, in Roseville. From Sacramento on I-80, take the Eureka Road exit (105A) and follow straight through the first stop light at Eureka Road and you’ll be on Taylor Road. Brookfield’s will be on your left behind the Shell gas station. Bring lunch, layered clothes, and scopes and FRS radios if you have them.
Sunday, February 7, 2pm till dark
Sandhill Cranes and Other Wintering Birds of the Sacramento Valley
This Year’s Last Save Our Sandhill Cranes-sponsored trip
Coordinator: Mike Savino, 446-1392
If you haven’t been on one of these crane trips, make sure to join Mike for this one. The cranes will be leaving us soon for their nesting areas, which range from relatively close, like Sierra Valley, to as far away as Siberia. Meet at the Cosumnes River Preserve Visitor Center parking lot at 2 p.m. for a short introduction to crane behavior and biology by Paul Tebbel, then stroll the boardwalk in the Lost Slough Wetlands, enjoying views of the cranes, wintering waterfowl and shorebirds. Afterwards, we’ll drive along Desmond Road and possibly to Staten Island, to see flocks of cranes fly in to roost for the night. Dress for changeable weather; bring binoculars, scopes and FRS radios if you have them. From Sacramento, take I-5 south to Twin Cities Road; go left (east) to the stop sign at Franklin Blvd.; turn right (south) on Franklin and, driving through the Preserve, watch for the Visitor Center parking lot on your left. Further directions and maps are available at www.cosumnes.org. This is a great trip for beginners.
Wednesday, February 10, 9am till noon
Jacob Lane area, American River Parkway
Leader: Jack Hiehle, 967-0777
Join Jack on a 3 hour walk looking at native and non-native plant species, mammals and birds. This walk is great for beginning and more experienced nature lovers. Meet Jack at the end of Jacob Lane, which runs south off Fair Oaks Blvd., between Arden and Eastern.
Thursday, February 11, 8:30am Cancelled due to flooding at site.
Yolo Wildlife Area
Leader: Marlene Ishihara, 635-9758, IshiM2000@comcast.net
Join Marlene in this great area 10 minutes from downtown Sacramento. Depending on the extent of flooded fields on the auto tour route, there may be good numbers of shorebirds and waterfowl and possible raptors such as Peregrine Falcon. From Sacramento, take I-80 west, take the first exit (#78) at the west end of the Yolo Causeway. Turn right at the stop sign, go under the freeway, make a left up onto the levee, then drop down into the Wildlife Area. The trip begins at the first parking lot (Lot A), on your left. Scopes are helpful on this trip which is good for both beginners and more experienced birders.
Sunday, February 14, 7:30 a.m.
Rush Ranch and Grizzly Island, Solano County
Leaders: Maureen Geiger, 444-0804 mkgeiger@sbcglobal.net
Ken Poerner, 707-580-6277 kenpoe@sbcglobal.net
This trip to Solano County will begin with a brief tour of Rush Ranch, an operating cattle ranch on the beautiful Suisun Marsh owned by the Solano Land Trust. We will then explore Grizzly Island Wildlife Area looking for shorebirds, ducks, raptors, shrikes, and other wintering birds which may be found in the wetlands and grassland habitats, particularly in the winter. There is a $2.50 fee to enter the Wildlife Area. Bring lunch and liquids as the trip will last into mid-afternoon. Meet at the Park and Ride in West Sacramento. From I-80, take the West Sacramento Exit; turn left at the light; then left again into the lot. To meet at Rush Ranch, contact Maureen or Ken.
February, 13, 14 & 15, President’s Day Weekend
Eureka/Arcata area
Leaders, Dan Brown 362-2458, naturestoc@aol,com
Joe Ceriani, Email - joeceriani@usmessage.net
Please mark your calendars and join Dan and Joe for 3 days of birding along California’s North coast. We will be birding some of the traditional spots in the Eureka and Arcata areas and possibly some of Joe’s new favorite spots. Please contact Dan or Joe for further details.
Join Sacramento Audubon for Beginner Birds Counts
Friday, February 12th, 9 am
William Pond Park on the American River Parkway
Leader: Cathie LaZier, 457-6882, empid@earthlink.net
Saturday Feb. 13, 9 am
SAS & Friends of the River Banks at Sutter's Landing (end of 28th St. at the River)
Leaders: Julie Serences and Robert Sewell.
Meet Julie and Robert at the parking lot nearest the skateboard building. Sutter’s Landing Park is located at the endof 28th Street behind the B Street Theater and over the railroad tracks! 548-0618 education@sacramentoaudubon.org
Sunday Feb 14, 9 am
American River Bike Trail Near the Fish Hatchery
Leader: Marlene Ishihara 635-9758, IshiM2000@comcast.net
Meet at the public parking lot across the street from the Dept of Fish and Game Region II Office. This lot is free; there is no parking fee. To get to the site from downtown Sacramento, go east on Hwy 50 and exit at Hazel Avenue. Go north on Hazel. Turn left on Gold Country Blvd (before Hazel Avenue Bridge). Turn right at Nimbus Road. Drive about 1/4 mile and the public parking lot is on the left. This is west of the Nimbus Fish Hatchery parking lot.
Monday Feb 15, 9 am
Mather Lake
Leader: Wayne Blunk 876-0457 wayne.blunk@worldnet.att.net
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