I was fortunate to visit the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge Complex this month. This area of seasonal wetlands hosts thousands of migrating birds during the winter months. The main refuge has a very enjoyable 2 mile hike around the refuge where you will see amazing birds and giant jackrabbits around every turn and a 6 mile car route with several viewing areas. Plan on spending the day! Additionally, the refuge in Colusa has a three mile car tour through the refuge that will amaze you. It took us three hours to go three miles….that’s a lot of birds.
Highlights included seeing gorgeous ducks like the northern pintail, a great horned owl sitting on a nest, a young bald eagle eating his kill while his parent watched over him, harriers skimming gracefully over the wetlands, and flocks of geese rising up all around you.
Get out and find great places to walk this winter. Start by looking for wildlife refuges in your area.