Bobcat Ranch ©Marc Hoshovsky
Trip Leaders: – TRIP IS FULL
Matt Allshouse, Marc Hoshovsky, Chase Kautz, Ina Rommeck, and Autumn Turner
Description:
Take part in this limited opportunity to explore Audubon California’s Bobcat Ranch near Winters on April 13th. Join geologist Marc Hoshovsky, Yolo Bird Alliance volunteer Autumn Turner, native plant specialists Ina Rommeck and Chase Kautz, and ranch manager Matt Allshouse for a special guided nature hike. Bobcat Ranch is a 6,800-acre working ranch that uses regenerative grazing management to restore and manage natural diversity in grassland and oak woodlands. It is Audubon California’s largest landholding and is the first certified Ranch in California under Audubon’s Conservation Ranching Program. To aid in monitoring the outcomes of sustainable grazing practices, YBA volunteers have conducted biweekly bird surveys as part of an ongoing phenology study since 2016.
Springtime at Bobcat Ranch is a special time of year, with lots of new grass growth and showy wildflower displays, and typically the best weather of the year for this region. It is also a great time of year to observe birds. Resident birds are beginning to nest and raise young, and late-season winter migrants are preparing to fly off to their breeding grounds.
Leaders will guide participants on a short 1.5 mile interpretive hike (elevation gain 350’) from the ranch HQ to Buckhorn Spring. The trip will be partially along a ranch road and partially on stock trails through open blue-oak woodland. Marc will highlight some interesting geological features, Matt will cover the history of the ranch, and Autumn, Ina, and Chase will help participants identify birds and wildflowers and talk about the seasonal changes that have been observed on the ranch in the spring.
Accessibility:
Please note that the 1.5 miles of trail includes some rocky and/or slippery terrain, and short portions with steep inclines. A port-a-potty will be available at the trailhead. Cell phone service is limited at the Ranch.
Meeting Location and Registration:
Nature enthusiasts from all backgrounds are welcome to join. Please prepare for the weather and variable conditions by bringing water and snacks, wearing sturdy, close-toed shoes, and dressing in layers. The tour may be rescheduled in the event of heavy rain. A camera and binoculars are recommended.
We have special permission to lead the group on Bobcat Ranch, which has limited public access. Maximum group size is 20. Participants will need to sign an Audubon liability waiver prior to entering the Ranch in addition to the YBA field trip waiver. Participants will rendezvous in Davis and carpool/caravan to the property. Carpooling is highly encouraged, but all rides are private arrangements between drivers and riders.
Please contact Yolo Bird Alliance Field Trip Coordinator Zane Pickus with any questions or to sign up at yolobirdalliance@gmail.com.
Yolo Bird Alliance field trips are free and open to the public.