The Tall Forest is a substantial block of valley oak-dominated woodland strongly resembling the pre-Anglo Central Valley riparian forests, a habitat now almost obliterated from California. The big trees overtop a varied, dense understory, and California grape and poison oak climb into the canopy in many places. The complex vegetative structure permits a rich variety of birds to reside permanently or seasonally there.
Come join John Trochet, leader of this survey for more than two decades now, as we follow the birdlife of the preserve’s plum parcel through the seasons and across the years.
This is a survey on foot lasting 5-6 hours, sometimes longer when the birding is exceptional.
Because we start early, we have a good chance to see mammals as well, such as beaver, river otter, striped skunk, raccoon, coyote, squirrels and deer, plus ectothermic vertebrates on occasion. A good variety of local butterflies and odonates is found in season. In places the trails are nothing more than animal traces, and we push through blackberry thickets, clamber over down logs and bend under low limbs or grape tangles to make our way through. This is not a trip for folks in shorts nor for small children (not recommended for children less than 10 years of age). Footwear requirements vary with the season. Mud is usual between November and April, sometimes later, and standing or moving water is possible in this same time frame. At this time of year at least, rubber knee boots are strongly suggested. Ticks are often common in spring and early summer. Stickers (especially beggars tick and cocklebur) are features of late summer and autumn. Rubber knee boots mitigate against these, too. Mosquitoes may be abroad on any modestly warm day of the year. One needs to be prepared for these things. Because this is the only regularly scheduled opportunity for the public to see this area, we do not insist that participants be birders. Anyone with any natural history interest is welcome. But bear in mind that it is a bird survey if your interest lies elsewhere.
Especially during the rainy season, river conditions may change quickly and dramatically. During minor flood events, rubber knee boots may be insufficient to conduct the survey. I do allow others to join me when hip boots are required. At this season one should check this website or the Central Valley Birds listserv (where the leader can post late notice himself) the day before the survey to find out if hip boots are required. Seeing this place in flood is a special experience, too, though the woodland birding during flood events is generally poor. The surveys in June and July are not recommended as they start very early (tough for most people to get up for), are typically hot and the birds at that season few and quiet.
The Tall Forest is a wonderful place. We urge all who are able to visit at least once.
Tour will depart from the Farm Center gate (Corner of Bruceville Road and Desmond Road)
Habitat Restoration Workday
Habitat Restoration Workday
9:00 am-3:00 pm
12/02/2023
The Habitat Restoration Team (HRT) is an opportunity like no other! It is open to anyone 18 or older who wishes to be truly involved with environmental stewardship at the Cosumnes River Preserve.
HRT assists Preserve Staff with focused conservation projects that allow members to experience more of the Preserve and contribute to its success. HRT members may take advantage of specialized trainings, workshops, and events that are designed to help volunteers become more effective environmental stewards.
Please contact the Volunteer and Outreach Coordinator for more details – info@cosumnes.org
Natural and Cultural History Walk at Cosumnes River Preserve
Natural and Cultural History Walk at Cosumnes River Preserve
Join Cosumnes River Preserve docents on a guided hike along the River Walk Trail! This hike will take you back to the days when the Plains Miwok once inhabited the Cosumnes River’s surrounding landscape.
You’ll learn about the plants and animals they interacted with and the unique ways in which they utilized the land as a part of their everyday lives.
The route will cover approximately 3.5 miles, but participants that do not wish to walk that far may turn around at any time. This is a great family activity for all ages! This is an outdoor setting in nature, so please dress accordingly with sturdy shoes and layers. There is no potable water, so please bring all the water you’ll need for the hike. Binoculars encouraged!
Don’t forget to stop by the Cosumnes River Preserve and check out “Ducks In Scopes”, where preserve docents have a row of scopes set up, some set lower to accommodate children. They’ll focus on giving you good views of the many colorful ducks and geese, as well as some of the more interesting shorebirds such as Black-necked Stilts and Common Snipe. A table display features “Duck Soup”, dishes of water dipped from the pond full of sand fleas, dragonfly nymphs, and other squiggly things that provide the protein the birds are feeding on. A microscope and hand lens provide close-up looks. The Preserve is a quick drive from Sacramento – south on I-5 to Twin Cities Road; left (east) on Twin Cities for 1 mile; then right (south) on Franklin Blvd. The viewing area is in the first parking lot on your right as you drive into the preserve. Come anytime between 10am and 1pm, on the following date.
Join experienced docents and members of the ~Save Our Sandhill Cranes advocacy group~ for a 90-minute guided tour of the Sandhill Cranes at the Cosumnes River Preserve. This tour will begin at the visitor center, rain or shine, where you will get the opportunity to learn about the features, behavior, and anatomy of Sandhill Cranes. After your short Crane introduction, you will either walk or drive to see the cranes depending on where they are expected to be roosting that night.
During the tour, there will be a few opportunities to look through a scope that will be provided by the preserve docents. But it is recommended that you bring your own binoculars to view the cranes and a variety of shore birds, ducks, geese, swans, and raptors.
Most Sandhill Cranes in the Pacific Flyway spend their fall and winters with us in California and then spend their spring summers in Alaska and Canada where they nest. Please join us for this amazing experience.
Don’t forget to stop by the Cosumnes River Preserve and check out “Ducks In Scopes”, where preserve docents have a row of scopes set up, some set lower to accommodate children. They’ll focus on giving you good views of the many colorful ducks and geese, as well as some of the more interesting shorebirds such as Black-necked Stilts and Common Snipe. A table display features “Duck Soup”, dishes of water dipped from the pond full of sand fleas, dragonfly nymphs, and other squiggly things that provide the protein the birds are feeding on. A microscope and hand lens provide close-up looks. The Preserve is a quick drive from Sacramento – south on I-5 to Twin Cities Road; left (east) on Twin Cities for 1 mile; then right (south) on Franklin Blvd. The viewing area is in the first parking lot on your right as you drive into the preserve. Come anytime between 10am and 1pm, on the following date.
Join experienced docents and members of the ~Save Our Sandhill Cranes advocacy group~ for a 90-minute guided tour of the Sandhill Cranes at the Cosumnes River Preserve. This tour will begin at the visitor center, rain or shine, where you will get the opportunity to learn about the features, behavior, and anatomy of Sandhill Cranes. After your short Crane introduction, you will either walk or drive to see the cranes depending on where they are expected to be roosting that night.
During the tour, there will be a few opportunities to look through a scope that will be provided by the preserve docents. But it is recommended that you bring your own binoculars to view the cranes and a variety of shore birds, ducks, geese, swans, and raptors.
Most Sandhill Cranes in the Pacific Flyway spend their fall and winters with us in California and then spend their spring summers in Alaska and Canada where they nest. Please join us for this amazing experience.
