I took advantage of a break in the rainstorms between Christmas and New Year's to visit the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge (NWR). The ponds at the NWR were now filled with rainwater.
The weather was typical for a December day in Northern California; temps in the high 50s with a slight wind. Big puffy light grey clouds dotted the deep blue sky. The mountain tops glittered with brand new snow caps created by a Christmas storm.
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There were a couple of dozen vehicles as folks took advantage of the decent weather to visit the NWR. The visitor center was open and I planned on visiting it after I went through the refuge only to find that the center was only open for 4 hours. It closed just before I finished the auto tour.
So here are the typical winter birds you can expect to see:
Snow Geese
White-Fronted Geese coming in for a landing.
I love taking photos of the White-Fronted Geese flying because the white tail markings are so striking.
American Bittern hiding in the foliage
There is one irrigation channel running parallel to the road where I occasionally see this guy. Most people, even experienced birders, miss him because he is so good at hiding.
Black-Necked Stilt
Greater Yellowlegs
White-Faced Ibis
Flock of Least Terns with a Northern Shovelor
Snowy Egret perched in a tree.
Great Egret
American Coots
Northern Pintail and Killdeer
Northern Pintails
Mallard Drake
Gadwall Pair
Bufflehead Pair
Cinnamon and Green Wing Teals
Ring-Necked Ducks
While I didn’t see the resident Bald Eagles on this visit, there were plenty of raptors to be seen.
Red-Tailed Hawk behind all the branches. one of three I spotted on this visit.
Northern Harrier on the hunt.
Sharp-Shinned Hawk deep in the underbrush.
Turkey Vulture
There are plenty of songbirds to be seen.
Mourning Dove on the left and Western Meadowlark on the right hiding in the grass.
White-Crowned Sparrow
Juvenile White-Crowned Sparrow
Savannah Sparrows
Sleeping Starling
Say’s Phoebe
Black Phoebe
As I completed the tour at the visitor center parking lot, I noticed that Turkey Vultures had decided to roost on an observation tower that was behind the visitor center.
A dozen vultures keep watch from the tower.
Last weekend I tried to visit Colusa NWR and Grey Lodge State WR, only to find both were closed due to flooding from the recent storms. It was a nice drive and as I moved along the highway I saw flocks of Tundra Swans, Northern Pintails, Shovelors, Great Egrets, Great Blue Herons and Blackbirds in the rice fields that had been flooded by rainwater. I also saw plenty of Red-Tailed Hawks on the utility poles, trees and road signs. Unfortunately, I couldn’t stop and take photos.
The local forecast predicts a week of dry weather with highs in the 50s and the possibility of morning fog. Grey Lodge is expected to open later this week as the flood waters recede, so I might try to visit again this weekend.
What’s up in your neck of the woods?
