- Date: 12/06/2010
- Time: 08:00:00 AM
Davis Wetlands
Field Trip
This trip is planned to take advantage of the weekday opening of the Davis Wetlands at Davis Waste Water Treatment Plant during duck season. By this time many species of ducks and other birds will have taken up winter residence at this very special wetland habitat. We will try to identify as many as possible.
Caravaning to the wetlands, we will check the surrounding fields for special sightings.
Meet at the Park and Ride lot off Mace Boulevard (NE of Hwy 80; behind Ikeda’s), Davis, at 8:00 AM. Bring binoculars, water, snacks and hiking shoes. Some binoculars will be available for the use of adults and children. We’ll plan on returning to Mace Boulevard by early afternoon.
Trip leader is Sami LaRocca, (530) 908-0288 (cell)
NOTE: High winds or a significant rainstorm cancels this trip.
~~~~~~~TRIP CANCELLED AT 7:10 AM DUE TO RAIN AND BLUSTERY WINDS~~~~
(Woman proposes and man disposes!^^)************************TRIP HIGHLIGHTS*************************
Due to weather conditions of rain and blustery wind, the trip was cancelled at 7:10. However, at 8:10 leader Sami LaRocca was phoned by three expectant birders. They had arrived for the trip as weather was beginning to look promising and wanted to go ahead with the tour. I came from Woodland and met them at the Davis Sewage Treatment facility by 8:45.
First off we viewed the new solar panels along side the overland flow area. As we finished the field trip at 12:15 three species Red-Tailed Hawk, American Kestrel, and Mourning Doves were seen using these panels as a spot to sit, perhaps happy to find some warmth.
The trip was underway with the Snow Geese and Greater White-fronted Geese a thrilling sight and sound flying in great flocks a short distance away. Tundra Swans in “V” formation fly by directly overhead. In the ponds there were many of the seasons migratory ducks to be seen: Bufflehead, Ruddy Cinnamon & Green-winged Teal, Northern Shoveler, American Wigeon, Northern Pintail.
Two definite highlights were a Peregrine Falcon, flying around and posing on post, as well as numerous Long-billed Curlews flybys with great light and close view. All along the auto tour loop we saw many American Pipits dancing and tail pumping.
The four of us saw a total of 59 bird species.
^^Note: Once again I found that cancelling a trip due to rain is not always the best decision. Sami LaRocca