For reports on these trips, click here. Trip Findings are generally on Page 2 of the Observer newsletter. ___________________________________________________________
Trips July 15-29, 2007 Scheduler: Dan Brown, 362-2458 naturestoc@aol.com
Sunday, July 15, 8am Bushy Lake Leader: Dan Brown, 362-2458 naturestoc@aol.com Join Dan for a look at some of the birds that live along this section of the American River Parkway. This will be about a 4 mile hike and will end before lunch. Bring water and appropriate footgear. Meet in the cul-de-sac at the south end of Ethan Way, located just south of where Hurley Way goes into Gate 12 of Cal Expo.
Sunday, July 15 Habitat Improvement Work Day Leader: Jack Hiehle, 967-0777 Help Jack restore native vegetation along the American River Parkway. Tasks vary from month to month, so call Jack for details and meeting time, usually early morning.
Wednesday, July 18 Evening Beaver Walk Leader: Jack Hiehle, 967-0777 Don’t forget to bring your binoculars on this evening trip to look at beavers. This trip is limited to 8 people, with a minimum age of 7 years old. In addition to the beavers, you will enjoy observing the birds and plants, and perhaps other mammals. Please call Jack to find the meeting time and place.
Saturday, July 21, 6:30am Loney Meadow Leader: Scott Hoppe, 652-5409 shoppe@earthlink.net Come join Scott for this late July trip. Loney Meadow is a beautiful mountain meadow north of Grouse Ridge near Bowman Lake at about 6000’ elevation. The area can have some excellent birding. Scott has seen 8 species of woodpecker there, (including Pileated, Black-backed and Williamson’s Sapsucker); also Townsend’s Solitaire, Calliope Hummingbird, Willow Flycatcher, 7 species of warbler and previous trips have produced Bald Eagles. Meet Scott at the Park & Ride on Horseshoe Bar Road in Loomis at 6:30am. The meadow is about an hour’s drive from there. Bring water and lunch or a snack; don’t forget hat and sunscreen.
Saturday, July 21, Sunrise! Tall Forest Bird Count, Cosumnes River Preserve Recorded Information: 684-2816 Meet at the Farm Center Gate at the intersection of Desmond and Bruceville Roads, ON TIME, to join this monthly bird count. Usually led by John Trochet, this area is normally closed to the public, so this is your opportunity to bird there. John has an appreciation of nature on many levels and a trip with him is always informative. You must check the recorded information a day or two previously to get the exact meeting time and any other updated details. Arrive a little early, as this trip always leaves promptly.
Sunday, July 22, 8am Mather Field Park Leader: Wayne Blunk, 876-0457 Mather Lake and its surrounding grasslands host a wide variety of birds. Wayne knows this area well. This is a good trip for beginners and enjoyable for all. Meet in the parking lot of Mather Regional Park at the corner of Douglas Road and Eagle’s Nest Road. There is a parking fee.
Saturday, July 28 Carson Pass Leader: Jack Hiehle, 967-0777 This trip is limited to 10 participants to help preserve habitat in this high foot traffic area, so call Jack early to reserve your space. At peak wildflower time there are fields of flowers in dazzling variety but some flowers are blooming all summer and there are always spectacular views of Sierra lakes. Usual birds include Clark’s Nutcracker, Rufous Hummingbird and Green-tailed Towhee. Occasionally Gray-crowned Rosy Finch or Blue Grouse are found. Call Jack for reservations, meeting time and place. Bring lunch and liquids; wear sturdy shoes for the five mile hike; wear layered clothing for changeable Sierra weather.
Sunday, July 29, 7am Bodega Bay Leader: Dan Brown, 362-2458 naturestoc@aol.com Join Dan for a day of birding, exploring the many habitats around Bodega Bay. This is often one of the best coastal birding areas, with many gulls, waterfowl, songbirds and raptors to see, in addition to possible shorebirds returning from their breeding grounds. Meet Dan at the Park & Ride off Highway 80 in West Sacramento. From Sacramento take the West Capital Ave. exit; turn left at the stoplight and then left again into the Park & Ride lot. This Park & Ride is on the north side of the freeway, NOT THE SOUTH SIDE LOT. We will LEAVE at 7:00 a.m. SHARP! Bring food (an option for lunch will be the Tides snack bar), water and warm clothes.
