Trip Leaders: Zane Pickus, Emmett Iverson, Julian Johnson
Description:
Summer in the Sierra Nevada mountains is a wonderful place to be as a birder, with the endless conifer forests and wet meadows filled with beautiful breeding neotropical migrants and uncommon montane species. Wright’s Lake campground in the El Dorado National Forest is a premier location for birders to observe a great diversity of species within reasonable walks from public roads. We will visit at the perfect time of year to look for breeding warblers, tanagers, sparrows, flycatchers, all of which should be on territory and singing. Additionally, the spot is known for being one of the best places in the state to look for rare montane breeders such as Pine Grosbeak, Black-backed Woodpecker, and American Goshawk.
A bit downslope from Wright’s Lake is another Sierra Nevada birding gem – Ice House Road. This location offers a slightly different sweet of birds at various pulloffs, and is especially known for its chances at Cassin’s Finch, Calliope Hummingbird, and Mountain Quail. An afternoon stop at Ice House will give us another chance to see a great diversity of montane breeders at a slightly different elevation. It is sure to be a fun day of summer birding!
NOTE: This event will be a part of the California Bird Atlas “Big Weekend,” a multi-day statewide event dedicated to learning about and contributing to the CBA. More details to be added about this soon!
Accessibility:
This will be an intense day of birding, but all ages and skill levels are welcome. The trip will involve around two-hours of driving each way, with a restroom stop at the halfway point to and from the destination. Wright’s Lake can be birded from the campground and a well-maintained trail through the lakeside forest, perhaps a mile-and-a-half of walking throughout the morning. Ice House Road will involve shorter walks off the road on somewhat rocky trails. Restrooms are available at Wright’s Lake, but may be more difficult to find at Ice House.
Meeting Location and Registration:
Please bring lunch, snacks, plenty of fluids, and dress in layers. Additionally, please be prepared for variable temperatures, bring adequate sun protection, and be ready a full day in the field. There will be good photo opportunities on the trip.
This is an all-day field trip limited to 3 vehicles and therefore no more than 12 participants. To attend, please contact Zane Pickus (yolobirdalliance@gmail.com) to reserve a spot on a first-come, first-serve basis, and indicate your willingness to drive if applicable.
Yolo Bird Alliance field trips are free and open to the public. All carpooling is arranged as a private agreement between driver and rider(s).