DISCOVER NORTHERN CALIFORNIA'S
WEEKEND TRIPS: PACIFIC FLYWAY

If you're a birder like I am, you'll consider this one of your most romantic weekend trips. You won't believe the sheer numbers of waterfowl to be seen in Northern California along the Pacific Flyway during the Winter! And when thousands of them take to the sky en masse, it is a sight to behold, indeed!

Find Northern California hotels and lodges, compare prices and ammenities, then book your choice at HotelsCombined. That's what I do!

Snow Geese; (CC) Larry Miller

Take note as you travel through this area of one of the wonders of the Northern Sacramento Valley: Sutter Buttes. Don't worry - you can't miss it! See Chico Day Trips: Sutter Buttes for directions if you'd like to take a closer look at the Buttes.

Delta King Paddleboat Hotel

On your way into Sacramento, visit Discovery Park - confluence of the American and Sacramento Rivers.

As part of the Sacramento area flood control, it might be underwater during the Winter months, but Discovery Park is worth a visit if you can get in.

This is where the two rivers - both of which have great significance to the California Gold Rush and the settlement of Northern California - join on their way to San Francisco Bay.

With the rivers, the California Delta, and the nearby farms, you'll
find plenty of birding opportunities around the Sacramento area!

You might even elect to end your day in Sacramento, with perhaps an over-nighter on the Delta King Hotel and dinner at the Firehouse Restaurant in Old Sacramento.

Sandhill Cranes by Richard Albers

The Cosumnes River Preserve (pronouced ko-SUE-meez) outside of Galt, is next on the list of favorite Winter stop-overs for our migratory feathered friends - especially the remarkable Great Sandhill Crane!

These birds can be five feet tall with an even larger wingspan.

They travel in flocks, as do most migratory birds, and they are one of the noisiest birds on the planet.

If you hear what sounds like the amplified voices of a thousand hoarse bullfrogs, start looking around for Sandhill Cranes!

Need a break from birding? Continue on the road to Stockton and visit Stockton's historic and eclectic Miracle Mile for anything from a scone to shopping to sushi; or stroll along the scenic and lively downtown Stockton Waterfront Marina!

Tule Elk Bugling

Back on the road South, head on over to
the San Luis National Wildlife Refuge between Merced and Los Banos.

In addition to the migratory birds like geese, swans, ducks, Sandhill Cranes, and White Pelicans, you'll find a plethora of shorebirds such as ibis, long-billed curlews, plovers, and sandpipers.

And here's a nice little surprise for you: a thriving herd of Tule Elk resides year-round at San Luis National Wildlife Refuge.

Another nearby refuge: Merced National Wildlife Refuge.

Ready for another birding break? Visit the Madera Wine Trail in,
where else, Madera. This little diversion was quite a surprise for me! Back when I lived in the Central Valley, the famous grapes being grown in this area were for raisins! Remember the old I heard it on the Grapevine commercials - Central Valley raisins!

But you're in for a delightful treat nowadays as you discover the
top-notch dessert wines and ports from Madera wineries!

Taste artisan wines on the farms where the grapes are grown, often served by the winemakers themselves.

Plan to spend the night - what with the wine tasting and all.

There are a variety of places to stay, but I can recommend either
the Madera Valley Inn or Hampton Inn & Suites Madera for a comfortable stay.

Millerton Lake; (CC) Don Solo

Last birding stop on our trip is the Millerton Lake State Recreation Area, which is located about 20 miles northeast of Fresno.

Every Winter, Millerton is home to a good-sized population of Bald Eagles and in December through February the state park system runs boat tours of the reservoir which are guided and narrated by a naturalist.

It's a great way to wind up our birding trip - viewing and learning about the life-habits of the majestic American Bald Eagle! Did you know that Bald Eagles are monogamous and mate for life? Millerton Lake is home to the largest population of wintering eagles in the San Joaquin Valley.

Continue on into Fresno where you can spend the night - there's nothing spectacular about the accommodations in Fresno, but you can get a good night's sleep at the Radisson Hotel Conference Center - before heading back North.

But do treat yourself to a fabulous dinner at Max's Bistro on Bullard Avenue. You'll enjoy excellent food, a varied wine list, and reasonable dinner prices.

The trip back to Chico next day will take less time without the stops - switch over to Interstate 5 if you'd like a different view of the Central Valley. Notice the system of interconnected canals, streambeds, and sloughs along the way - they provide the irrigation water that transforms The Valley from a semi-arid desert to productive farmland.

I hope you've enjoyed our weekend trip along the Pacific Flyway! Please come back often as more Northern California Weekend Trips are coming soon.

And please continue your exploration of what Northern California has to offer by using the Nav Bar at the left, by using the links at the bottom of the page, or by using the customized search box below to find the specific topic that interests you.

Like what you're finding here at DiscoverNorthernCalifornia.com? Then please share with your Social Network (see the buttons in the NavBar to the left, or at the bottom of the page).

For more pictures of Northern California and other great stuff, check out my facebook page, www.DiscoverNorthernCalifornia.com. Become a fan, write on my Wall, contribute to the Discussion Board, post a Review -- join in the fun!

New! Comments