For a decade, we have been wanting to stop and explore this 16,000-acre Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area, one of the largest public/private restoration projects with 3,700-acres of land in the Yolo Bypass floodway restored to wetlands and other associated habitats, with more restoration in the works.
Today, on Steve's birthday, we finally detoured to enjoy this treasure.Covering 25 square miles and home to nearly 200 species of birds, the Wildlife Area is located in the heart of one of the country’s richest agricultural areas, alongside one of America’s busiest people throughways I-80, and next to a bustling metropolitan area, Sacramento.President Bill Clinton dedicated this remarkable area in November 1997, and hailed the project as a national model for meeting the challenge of “trying to improve our economy and lift our standard of living while improving, not diminishing, our environment.” He also acknowledged the extraordinary collaboration and effort that have enabled the mosaic of seasonal and year round ponds, grasslands, and riparian forest to thrive.Located in the heart of the Pacific Flyway, this area is a haven for fish, waterfowl, shorebirds and wading birds, neotropical migratory birds, raptors, invertebrates, snakes, turtles, toads, and bats.
I so needed Jenny there with her enthusiasm and knowledge. This beautiful hawk graced us with an aerial dance. We wished we knew what it was.The one-way driving tour route exposed us to various vegetation community types include managed seasonal and permanent wetland, natural seasonal wetland, natural perennial wetland, and riparian woodland. So dang awesome!Even the flora was enchanting.Steve and I have vowed to detour more often. That decision was heavily rewarded today.
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2 comments:
That looks so fun! We'd love to join you next time. Nice bird photos ~ in order, Lesser Yellowlegs (or maybe a Solitary Sandpiper if those legs are green), Brewers Blackbird, Great Egret, Northern Harrier, Savannah Sparrow, Great Blue Heron, and White-Tailed Kite. Nice sightings!
Happy birthday, Steve! What a cool spot. It looks like it was just you and the birds!
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