The cranes are arriving in northern California. Hundred of birds can currently be seen at Staten Island now that the corn harvest is underway, and the numbers will soon grow to thousands. The Cosumnes River Preserve website provides good information on where to see the birds and includes a map. It’s fascinating to watch the cranes interact!
News from a little closer to Yolo County: Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area Manager, Joe Hobbs, reports that the flood-up of the area began on October 1, per the agreement with the mosquito control district. The wild rice harvest has finished and white rice is just starting. Joe said that the Wildlife Area is in good shape for water as long as we get some rain this winter. Finally, duck hunting season starts on October 23rd, so remember that you may hear shooting on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday, if you visit, and some areas are closed to the non-hunting public.
This week National Audubon announced that the Biden administration has restored the full protections of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act that the Trump administration had substantially weakened. Audubon is now involved in plans to clarify and strengthen the act. Stay tuned!
Please notice the great birding field trips we have for October. There’s something for everybody, whether you like to focus on sparrows, want to prowl in the Davis Cemetery or head out to Lake Solano and Putah Creek. Our website lists field trips in the upcoming months in the Events section.
Good birding!
Ann Brice, YAS President