Sacramento Audubon Society

If you have questions regarding field trips or would like to check the status of trips in case of unfavorable weather conditions, please call the trip leader.  If he/she cannot be reached, call the scheduler.   Trips geared for beginners are highlighted in red.
To get directions, you can also use the Birding Sites Map.
Due to insurance requirements, Sacramento Audubon leaders are not allowed to organize carpools.  Participants are, however, encouraged to voluntarily share rides.  Any carpool arrangements are private arrangements between the driver and the passengers.  Drivers must carry adequate insurance coverage.  Please be courteous and share gas expenses with the driver.

Field Trips for January 2011
Scheduler Tim Fitzer, 870-5207, spskua2@comcast.net 

Saturday, January 1, 8:30am
Bobelaine Audubon Sanctuary
Leader: Brian Gilmore, 451-9146
Start the New Year with a fresh morning walk rather than sitting around watching television!  Join Brian for a stroll through this great riparian habitat. Herons, egrets, cormorants and grebes should be on the water. Yellow-rumped Warbler, Ruby-crowned Kinglet and a variety of sparrows will be seen. Take Hwy. 99 north toward Yuba City and about 2 miles north of the Feather River Bridge turn right on Laurel Avenue. Follow Laurel to the dead end at the Bobelaine parking lot. Bring liquids and snacks.

Sunday, January 2
Folsom Christmas Count
Compiler: Chris Conard, 203-1610   conardc@gmail.com 

Tuesday, January 4, 8:30am
Yolo Wildlife Area
Leader: Marlene Ishihara, 635-9758   ishiM2000@comcast.net 
Join Marlene in this great area just 10 minutes from downtown. On the auto tour route, there may be good numbers of shorebirds and waterfowl and possible raptors such as Peregrine Falcon.  White-faced Ibis and Northern Harriers may be seen overhead, and Savannah Sparrows and Horned Larks are visible on the road.  This is a good trip for both beginners and experienced birders. Bring scopes and FRS radios if you have them.   From Sacramento, take I-80 west, take the first exit (#78, E. Chiles/Rd. 32A) 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.    If bypass is flooded trip is canceled.

Saturday, January 8, 7am SHARP
Hot Birding Spots in the North Bay
Leader:  Ron Storey, 707-762-5276,  ronstorey@ronstorey.com 
Coordinator:  Tim Fitzer,  870-5207,  spskua2@comcast.net
Meet Tim at the West Sacramento Park & Ride to start the trip.   We’ll meet Ron at Ellis Creek Park, just east of Shollenberger Park in Petaluma at 8:30, and spend a little time there looking for Blue-winged Teal, Sora and Virginia Rail, and any other odd birds that may be around.  We’ll then drive to Las Gallinas and do a little bird watching there, looking for Eurasian and Common Teal, Hooded Merganser, and any other odd birds (i.e. Peregrine Falcon).  From Las Gallinas we will drive south to Corte Madera Marsh in search of Clapper Rail.  Dress appropriately for the weather; bring lunch and water.  (Option:  Ron plans to make a lunch stop for pizza!).  Bring FRS radios and scopes if you have them.  To meet at the Park & Ride off I-80 in West Sacramento, take the West Capitol Ave. Exit #81; turn left at the light and then left again into the Park & Ride lot.

Another Trip for Kids and Families!
Saturday, January 8, 8:30-11am
William Pond Park, Carmichael
Leader: Maureen Geiger, 444-0804    Cell # that day only: 281-6652  mkgeiger@sbcglobal.net 
This morning walk at William Pond Park along the American River will be specifically geared toward families with children who are interested in birds and nature. Binoculars suitable for smaller hands will be available for those who do not have them, and a checklist will be provided. Maureen will work with children on how to use binoculars and find birds, discuss a few basics of birding, and show everyone some of Sacramento’s great resident and wintering birds. This will be followed by a leisurely walk through several of the park’s different environments. There are restrooms in the park.  From the intersection of Fair Oaks and Arden follow Arden till it dead ends into the park.  There is a $5 per car charge unless you have a Sacramento County Regional Parks Pass.  Park in the first available space after you pass the kiosk, and Maureen will meet you near the kiosk.  Spaces are limited, so please contact Maureen to let her know you plan to come.

Sunday, January 9, 8am
Salt Springs Valley
Leaders: Tim Fitzer,       870-5207   Spskua2@comcast.net 
                Carla Barbaro, 717-8808
This area is located in western Calaveras County about an hour and a half drive from Sacramento. The open valley and its lake are home to many wintering ducks, hawks, eagles, owls and grassland birds. This is a unique area you will not want to miss. The trip will last into the late afternoon so bring lunch, liquids, warm clothing and FRS radios. Meet in the parking lot in front of the Wal-Mart located on the west side of Hwy. 99 at the Elk Grove Boulevard exit.

Tuesday, January 11, 7:45am
Colusa National Wildlife Refuge
Leader: Dan Tankersley, 606-6518   dtankers@winfirst.com
The Colusa NWR is another great location in the Central Valley to view large waterfowl concentrations. There will be many duck species and plenty of Snow, Ross's and Greater White-fronted Geese as well as other wetland birds.  This refuge often provides an opportunity to view the elgasi race of the Greater White-fronted Goose.  Eurasian Wigeon is often seen here as well.  We can expect many raptors with the possibility of Bald Eagle and Peregrine Falcon.  We will spend a good amount of time on the main viewing platform, and then take an easy walk on a level trail through a riparian forest next to the main viewing pond.  We will then take the short auto tour and finish our outing with a return visit to the platform.  Be prepared for cold and damp weather.  Weather permitting, there should be ample photo ops.  Scopes and FRS radios will be helpful on this trip.  Meet Dan at the Mace Blvd. Park & Ride at 7:45 A.M.   From Sacramento, take I-80 to west to Mace Blvd. (Exit #75); turn right (north) and then right again to the Park & Ride behind Ikeda’s Market.   We will meet on the south side of the parking lot in the row nearest the big round water tank.  Rain, strong wind, or thick fog cancels.  Bring snacks and liquids as the trip will end in the very late morning to very early afternoon.  We will leave the meeting area at 8:00 A.M. sharp.

Saturday, January 15, 8am
Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge
Leader:  John York, 409-9276, sonofyork@att.net 
John will be looking for the great flocks of ducks and geese that winter in the valley. There is a 3.7 mile driving route and a great viewing platform as well. This trip will last into early afternoon, so bring lunch, drinks and warm clothes.  We’ll return through the Dunnigan Hills, a good area for raptors, Burrowing Owls and wintering sparrows.  This is a good trip for newer birders and experienced birders alike. FRS radios are helpful on this trip. Meet John at the Woodland Jack-in-the-Box.  Take 1-5 north toward Woodland; exit at County Road 102 (#536); turn right (north) on 102 and turn right into the Jack-in-the-Box parking lot.  Please note that at the refuge there is a fee for each vehicle: either $3 for a day pass, or a $12 Refuge Annual Pass. 

Sunday, January 16, 8am
Gray Lodge Wildlife Area
Leaders:  Linda Pittman, 715-1876, pittmanl@frontiernet.net 
                  Cathie LaZier, 457-6882, empid@earthlink.net 
Join Linda and Cathie for a tour of this prime wintering area for ducks and geese. After Gray Lodge, we’ll take the route back around the west side of the Sutter Buttes. This area is great for raptors and grassland birds including wintering sparrows. Bring lunch, liquids, and warm clothing.  FRS radios and scopes are helpful if you have them. Meet in the Bel Air shopping center on Arena Blvd.  From Sacramento, take I-5 north to Arena Blvd., go west (left) over the freeway.  Take the first left, Duckhorn Rd., and then turn right into the parking area.  We will meet on the north side of the parking lot between Wells Fargo and Golden 1.   There is a $4.00 per person charge at the wildlife area. 

Tuesday, January 18, 8:30am
Yolo Wildlife Area
Leader: Marlene Ishihara, 635-9758    ishiM2000@comcast.net 
Join Marlene in this great area just 10 minutes from downtown. Depending on the extent of flooded fields on the auto tour route, there may be good numbers of shorebirds and waterfowl and raptors including possible Peregrine Falcon. This is a good trip for both beginners and experienced birders. Bring scopes and FRS radios if you have them. .  From Sacramento, take I-80 west, take the first exit (#78, E. Chiles/Rd. 32A) 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.  If bypass is flooded trip is canceled.

Saturday, January 22, 7am
San Luis National Wildlife Refuge Complex
Leader: Gary Fregien, 708-0636   calaveri@sbcglobal.net 
The San Luis National Wildlife Refuge Complex is composed of the San Luis NWR, Merced NWR, San Joaquin River NWR and the Grasslands Wildlife Area.  The refuge units are located in the northern San Joaquin Valley in Merced and Stanislaus Counties.  There are nearly 45,000 acres of wetlands, grasslands and riparian habitats, plus over 90,000 acres of private lands under conservation easements to protect and benefit wildlife, and together they constitute the largest contiguous freshwater wetlands remaining in California.  The complex is within the Pacific Flyway, a major route for migrating waterfowl and other birds.  These refuge units are noted as major wintering areas for Ross’s and Aleutian Cackling Goose, as well as Snow and Greater White-fronted Goose, and many kinds of ducks, totaling 30 species of waterfowl using the complex during winter.  We can also expect to see Sandhill Crane, numerous other bird species associated with these diverse habitats and, with luck, Tule Elk.  We will hike easy trails, drive auto tour routes and stop at viewing platforms.  Bring food and water.  FRS radios are helpful on this trip.  We will meet at the Park & Ride on the east side of Hwy 99 near the Sheldon Rd. exit. Take Hwy 99 south from Sacramento to the Sheldon Road exit.  Turn left and cross over the freeway to the second signal light; turn right on East Stockton Blvd. and proceed about a ¼ mile to the lot.

Saturday, January 22, 3:30 pm
Sandhill Cranes and Other Wintering Birds of the Sacramento Valley
A Save Our Sandhill Cranes-sponsored trip
Coordinator:  Mike Savino, 446-1392
Sandhill Cranes are the focus of this trip but ducks, swans and geese, as well as shorebirds, feed in the flooded fields and marshy areas of the delta, and hawks patrol overhead.  Meet at the Cosumnes River Preserve Visitor Center parking lot at 3:30 p.m. to hear a brief presentation of Sandhill Crane behavior, biology and status.  Then we’ll 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 Woodbridge Road or 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. 

Sunday, January 23, 8am
Road 113, Robinson Road & Birds Landing Area
Leader:  Paul Cordero, email preferred: pkcordero@gmail.com, or 454-4061
This is a great area for wintering Ferruginous and Rough-legged Hawks, Prairie Falcons, Merlins, curlews, possible Mountain Plovers, shrikes, and other interesting birds.  Bring liquids, lunch, warm clothes, spotting scopes, and FRS radios if possible.  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. This trip will last into the afternoon.

Sunday, January 23, 3:30 pm
Sandhill Cranes and Other Wintering Birds of the Sacramento Valley
A Save Our Sandhill Cranes-sponsored trip
Coordinator:  Mike Savino, 446-1392
Another chance to view the cranes and other waterfowl.  All information the same as Jan. 22^nd trip.

Tuesday, January 25, 8am
Isenberg Crane Preserve/Cosumnes River Preserve Boardwalk
Leader:  Tim Fitzer, 870-5207, spskua2@comcast.net
Join Tim to look for wintering geese and ducks, including Gadwall, Northern Shovelers, teal and wigeon.   In shallow water there may be shorebirds, such as dowitchers, sandpipers, yellowlegs, Dunlin, and maybe some surprises.  Our wintering Sandhill Cranes will be back, and the usual herons and egrets will be around.   The boardwalk is also a good place to look for the noisy but hard-to-see Marsh Wren, and the cryptic Wilson's Snipe.   Meet Tim at the Nugget Market at 8 am. Going south on I-5, take the Florin Road West exit; go west to the first signal light, (Greenhaven Drive), and make a U-turn.  The parking area for the market will be on the right.   This trip will end by noon.   Bring FRS radios and spotting scopes if you have them. This is a great trip for both beginners and more experienced birders. Thick fog cancels this trip.

Saturday, January 29, 8:30am
Nimbus Fish Hatchery
Leader: Dan Kopp, 213-2791   rey-ality@hotmail.com
Sharpen your identification skills as this is a gathering place for a variety of gulls.   Herring, Thayer’s, Glaucous-winged, California, Ring-billed and Mew Gulls are all possibilities.  Then we’ll walk downstream looking for Hooded and Common Mergansers, Osprey and other raptors, Barrow’s and Common Goldeneye, Spotted Sandpipers, White-throated Swifts, and a variety of the smaller woodland birds.   Meet Dan in the Fish Hatchery parking lot off Hazel Avenue north of Hwy 50.

Saturday, January 29, 8am
Tonzi Road (Amador Co.)
Leader: Gary Fregien, 708-0636   calaveri@sbcglobal.net 
Join Gary on a road trip to the Sierra foothills in Amador County, along Highway’s 16, 124 & 49.  The focus of the trip will be the Tonzi Road area, a back-country road north of Ione.  Travel along this route will include some stops and walking short distances.  There are an interesting and surprising variety and number of passerines and raptors in this area.  There have been a Red-naped Sapsucker, Red-breasted Sapsuckers, Western Bluebirds, Hermit Thrushes, American, Lesser and Lawrence’s Goldfinches, Ruby-crowned Kinglets, and a variety of flycatchers, sparrows and raptors observed here.  Time permitting, this trip may also include stops for waterfowl at ponds near Sutter Creek and Ione. There will be minimal hiking, but dress for winter conditions.  Bring along hand held radios, food and water.  Meet Gary at the College Greens/Raley’s Shopping Center lot at 8391 Folsom Blvd.  Park near the Starbuck’s. This Folsom Blvd. Raley’s is between Jackson Road (Hwy. 16) and Florin-Perkins Road.

Sunday, January 30, 8:00 a.m.
Rush Ranch and King Ranch, Solano County
Leaders: Maureen Geiger, 444-0804    mkgeiger@sbcglobal.net 
                Ken Poerner, 707-580-6277   ken@solanolandtrust.org
This trip to Solano County will begin with a birding tour of Rush Ranch, an operating cattle ranch on the beautiful Suisun Marsh owned by the Solano Land Trust. Maureen and Ken will find the birds of Rush Ranch and then head to the King Ranch, another Solano Land Trust property high above Hwy. 680. This site has a spectacular view of the surrounding area and is good for Golden Eagles and other raptors as well as Burrowing Owls and Say’s Phoebes.  Bring lunch and liquids, and be prepared for possibly muddy conditions. 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.  This trip will last into early afternoon. Maureen‘s cell phone that morning only is 281-6652.

Sunday, January 30, 3:30 pm
Sandhill Cranes and Other Wintering Birds of the Sacramento Valley
A Save Our Sandhill Cranes-sponsored trip
Coordinator:  Mike Savino, 446-1392
Another chance to view the cranes and other waterfowl.  All information the same as Jan. 22^nd trip.