Sora ©Kelli O’Neill
Date: Saturday, November 28, 2026
Time: 8:00am – 4:00pm
Trip Leaders: Genevieve Colborn and Kelli O’Neill
We are heading to Gray Lodge Wildlife Area on this year’s post-Thanksgiving trip. Gray Lodge is the winter home of many iconic Central Valley waterfowl including Snow and Greater White-fronted Geese and hosts high concentrations of waterfowl. Additionally, the Wildlife Area and surrounding roads host many raptors and open-country songbirds. We will bird walk the trail and drive the auto tour loop, stopping at observation decks overlooking bird-busy wetlands. We will then head to South Butte Road, an area around the Sutter Buttes south of Gray Lodge in search of Sandhill Cranes. This is an excellent location to find Ferruginous Hawk and Prairie Falcon. Bring lunch as we will picnic at Gray Lodge.
For further information regarding species that may be encountered on this field trip, check out the latest checklists on eBird for each location:
Gray Lodge Wildlife Area: https://ebird.org/hotspot/L368257/recent-checklists
West Butte Road: https://ebird.org/hotspot/L601662/recent-checklists?yr=cur
Birding will be done by car and walks on flat, mostly even terrain. Bathrooms will be available at Gray Lodge WA
Please contact Zane Pickus at yolobirdalliance@gmail.com to register and for details regarding where to meet. This trip will be limited to 12 participants in a maximum of 4 cars. Bring binoculars, a scope (if you have one), water, lunch (for a picnic at Gray Lodge), and snacks. High winds or significant rain will cancel the trip. Beginners are welcome! We will conclude at approximately 4:00pm.
Additionally, a one-day CDFW Lands Pass is required for each visitor aged 16 years or older. You must purchase the Lands Pass before the day of the trip. It can be purchased online at: https://wildlife.ca.gov/Licensing/Lands-Pass. A Lands Pass may also be available for purchase locally at Big-5 Sporting Goods stores. Cost: $5.97. If you possess an annual Lands Pass you don’t need the day permit.
Yolo Bird Alliance field trips are free and open to the public. Carpooling is highly encouraged, but all rides are private arrangements between drivers and riders.