Spring brings an explosion of color and activity outdoors
Folks looking for an excuse to get outdoors were invited to Roberti Ranch on April 18 to see what wildlife the new man-made lake on the ranch is attracting. Plumas Audubon arranged the tour with rancher and nature enthusiast Rick Roberti, and visitors were treated to front row viewing of a wide variety of feathered wildlife.
During the day, Roberti guided visitors to various sites known to attract birds on the family-run ranch in Sierra Valley. Plumas Audubon Executive Director David Arsenault brought along a high-powered scope that brought far-away wildlife up close and personal. Over 30 species were identified by sight or by song. The combination of fresh air, clear skies, ground flower blooms and colorful birds made ideal conditions for a perfect day outdoors.
Traveling toward Highway 70 from the ranch is nearby Lost Marble Hot Springs. Through-traffic on the road is closed due to flooding in the area, but where the road stops saturated ground has caused puddles of standing water to create larger than usual breeding grounds for insects.
Exotic looking yellow-headed blackbirds seem quite content with the abundance and can be spotted simply standing in the road plucking flying snacks out of the air.
Audubon Bird and Plant Walks
April 28:
Spanish Creek 7:30 a.m.
May 6:
Feather River College 8 a.m.
May 13:
Sierra Valley 8:15 a.m.
May 20:
Spanish Ranch 7 a.m.
May 27:
Chester Meadows 7 a.m.
June 3:
Boyle Ravine 8:30 a.m.
June 10:
Mountain meadows 8 a.m.
June 11:
Butterfly Valley 9:30 a.m.
July 8:
Bucks Lake 8 a.m.
