For reports on these trips, click here. Trip Findings are generally on Page 2 of the Observer newsletter. ___________________________________________________________
Trips July 30-Sep 2, 2007 Scheduler: Chris Conard, 362-5492, conardc@gmail.com
Tuesday, July 31 Evening Beaver Walk Leader: Jack Hiehle, 967-0777 Here’s another opportunity to join Jack and observe the beaver activity on the parkway. Birds active in the evening, and sometimes other mammals, may also be seen. Call Jack for meeting time and place.
Saturday, August 4, 6:30am Sharp! Granite Lake—Carson Pass, Hwy 88 Leader: Lisa Moraga, 455-4786 (cell: 671-4642) lmoraga562@earthlink.net Escape the valley heat for pleasant alpine lake scenery. The loop trail to Granite Lake is 2 miles and rated “easy.” However, the terrain is uneven, so wear sturdy shoes. The starting point elevation is 7,300 ft and the high point is 7,720 ft. We’ll look for resident and specialty birds that include Williamson’s Sapsucker, Clark’s Nutcracker, Mountain Bluebird, Townsend’s Solitaire, and Cassin’s Finch. Bring water, lunch, and a swimsuit if you dare to take a chilly plunge! We will meet at the North end of the Raley’s parking lot off El Dorado Hills Blvd to the north of Hwy 50.
Sunday, August 5, 7am Sailor Bar Leader: Mark Martucci, 722-6098 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 11 a.m., or possibly earlier depending on the heat. Sailor Bar is at the south end of Illinois Avenue, off Winding Way, just west of Hazel. There is a $4 per car entrance fee. Meet Mark at the boat launch parking area at the very end of the entrance road.
Tuesday, August 7 Beaver Walk in the Evening Leader: Jack Hiehle, 967-0777 Beavers are most active in the evening and early morning, so Jack schedules these evening walks for the best viewing opportunities. If you haven’t had the experience of watching a beaver swimming through the water, watching you while you watch him, and possibly even climbing out on the bank, you will have a great time on this trip. Call Jack for meeting time and place.
Saturday, August 11, Before Sunrise River Walk Trail, Cosumnes River Preserve Leader: John Schick (Info: 684-2816 ext. 5) The River Walk Trail (formerly Willow Slough) offers a wide variety of habitat types with excellent opportunities for finding birds. You can join John on his monthly census of the trail, where many rarities have been found. This is an excellent time of year for migrant songbirds. Call the number listed above for the exact time and location. Bring water, a snack, insect repellant and be prepared for 4 miles of easy to moderate walking.
Sunday, August 12, 7am Shorebirds of the Sacramento Valley Leader: Steve Abbott, 616-8671 steve@papasula.com 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 and Ride off I-80 in West Sacramento. From Sacramento, take the West Capitol Ave exit. Turn left, and the Park and Ride will be on your immediate left.
Saturday, August 18, Before Sunrise Tall Forest, Cosumnes River Preserve Leader: John Trochet (Info: 684-2816 ext. 5) The Tall Forest is perhaps the best remaining example of riparian forest in the Central Valley. John has found excellent rarities, in addition to large numbers of migrants and resident species. This is an excellent time of year to see migrant songbirds. John’s tours are the only regular public access to the Tall Forest. Call the number listed above for the exact time and location. Bring water, a snack, insect repellant and be prepared for 3-4 miles of moderate hiking.
Sunday, August 19, 7am Bodega Bay Leader: Chris Conard, 362-5942 conardc@gmail.com Enjoy a full day of birding, exploring the many habitats around Bodega Bay. Plan to see waterfowl, shorebirds, gulls, raptors, and migrating songbirds. Bring lunch, water, and warm clothes. Meet at the Park & Ride off I-80 in West Sacramento. From Sacramento, take the West Capitol Ave. exit. Turn left, and the Park & Ride will be on your immediate left.
Sunday, August 19 Habitat Improvement Work Day Leader: Jack Hiehle, 967-0777 Help Jack restore native vegetation along the American River Parkway, or get rid of invasive non-native plants. Tasks vary from month to month, so call Jack for details and meeting time and place.
Wednesday, August 22, evening Beaver Walk on the American River Leader: Jack Hiehle, 967-0777 Beavers are most active in the early evening, so join Jack to enjoy them. In addition, Jack may find herons, egrets, Black Phoebes, and other parkway inhabitants. Trip size is limited to optimize viewing. Call Jack for eeting time and place.
Saturday, August 25, 7am – 11am 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.
Sunday, August 26, 7am Bobelaine Sanctuary Leader: Brian Gilmore, 451-9146 Join Brian on this early morning hike through the riparian habitat of Bobelaine Sanctuary. Be prepared for a walk of two to three miles. Expect resident species along with a good chance for an influx of fall migrants. Bring water and snacks. Take I-5 north to Hwy 99 toward Yuba City. Two miles after 99 crosses the Feather River, turn right on Laurel Ave. Follow it to the end and meet at the parking area.
Sunday, August 26, 5pm Yolo Wildlife Area, evening Leaders: Maureen Geiger, 444-0804 mkgeiger@sbcglobal.net Cathie LaZier, 457-6882 empid@earthlink.net Join Maureen and Cathie for an evening drive around this diverse area just a few minutes from downtown Sacramento. A good variety of species is possible this time of year; shorebird numbers will depend on the amount of water available. In some years there are good numbers of White-faced Ibis and foraging owls may make an appearance in the late evening. To reach the Wildlife Area from Hwy 80, take Exit 78 at the west end of the Yolo Causeway. At the stop sign, turn right, pass under the freeway, then turn left onto the gravel road which tops the levee and drops down into the Wildlife Area. Meet at the first large parking lot.
Saturday, September 1, 6:30am Point Reyes Leader: Chris Conard, 362-5942 conardc@gmail.com This is a great time of year for migrating shorebirds and songbirds. Rarities are always possible. Be prepared for a full day with moderate hiking and changeable weather. Bring water, a lunch, and warm clothes. Meet at the Park and Ride off I-80 in West Sacramento. From Sacramento, take the West Capitol Ave exit. Turn left, and the Park and Ride will be on your immediate left.
Sunday, September 2, 7am –11am Upper Sunrise, American River Parkway Leader: Mark Martucci, 722-6098 matuchbirdman@yahoo.com Mark will lead you on a morning walk to one of his favorite spots along the American River Parkway. You will see a nice variety of resident birds and maybe a pulse of migrants. From Hwy 50, drive north on Sunrise Blvd., turn left on Fair Oaks Blvd., and take the first left on Pennsylvania. There is a $4 per car entrance fee. This is a good trip for beginners.
