Join us on Jan. 18 to the NWR for great birding!
Redbud Audubon will hold its annual field trip to the National Wildlife Refuges in the Sacramento Valley. We usually first visit the Colusa NWR and then the Sacramento NWR. We meet at the Colusa NWR at 9 a.m. and then head to the Sacramento NWR. This trip depends a lot on the weather, but we will try to stay in touch with everyone.
Everyone is invited to join Redbud Audubon for its annual field trip to two Sacramento Valley Wildlife Refuges (NWRs) on Saturday, Jan. 18. This is a wonderful opportunity to see thousands of migrating water birds and observe them up close. Participants are asked to arrange their own transportation and carpooling as the chapter is unable to provide carpooling because of insurance reasons.
Redbud attendees will meet as a group at 9 am at the Colusa Wildlife Refuge viewing platform. We usually begin by spending 30-45 minutes on the Observation Platform. We will then enjoy the auto tour of the preserve, driving along an elevated road. Most of the ponds along the auto tour are flooded, again offering close views of the birds.
The refuge is located at 2180 State Highway 20 East, Colusa, shortly after Williams. It’s a little tricky finding the entrance road; it is the second sign about the refuge. PGE transmission lines near the entrance road will let you know you are in the right area. If you have GPS on your phone, you should be fine.
After the Colusa tour, interested participants will travel on to the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge. Drive north on Interstate 5 about 25 miles and exit at the Sacramento NWR sign. The address is 752 County Rd. 99W Willows, CA. Again, a little tricky if you have never been there, but we can caravan from Colusa. There is a nice observation deck along the six-mile auto tour. There is also a walking trail that will be open if not weather-impacted. The Visitor Center restrooms and kiosks should be open to the public, and portable restrooms are provided at the Visitor Center parking lot. There is a $6 fee at this extensive NWR. Bring a lunch and something to share if you like as we usually gather for lunch at the main visitor center.
Need more information? Email redbudaudubon@gmail.com.
