It’s like Alfred Hitchcock’s The Birds out here…except not as scary, of course. Every winter, millions of waterfowl arrive in Northern California during their migratory journey. Over a million of these gorgeous birds can be seen at Gray Lodge Wildlife Area alone! If you love viewing wildlife, you’ll want to be sure to make a trip out here soon. This is a sight you don’t want to miss.
Located right along the Pacific Flyway, Gray Lodge Wildlife Area is a true haven for wildlife and nature enthusiasts. Winter is an especially great time to visit since it's then that more than a million waterfowl arrive for the season!
Surrounded by miles upon miles of agricultural land, Gray Lodge is a natural oasis complete with reflective ponds, lush fields, and wooded riparian zones. All in all, the area provides food and shelter for more than 300 species of birds and mammals, of both the migrant and resident variety.
You'll find the refuge located just 60 miles north of Sacramento. It's open every day from sunrise to sunset and boasts designated parking lots, restrooms, picnic tables, and a visitors' museum. Simply put, it's the ideal place to get away and immerse yourself in nature for the day.
Although it's open year-round, you'll find that winter is an especially active time for Gray Lodge. During this season, more than a million waterfowl overwinter within the refuge's confines. This includes both Ross' and snow geese, ducks, Sandhill cranes, and other majestic wintering birds.
As you can imagine, all this wildlife activity makes for a spectacular sight. The best time for viewing the waterfowl is typically late November through early February on clear days. At dusk, the birds will take flight to look for food. Witnessing this "night-flight" is a truly incredible experience.
The refuge contains a designated wildlife viewing area, so you don't have to search hard for that perfect birding spot. There is also a driving route and various nature trails where you're bound to experience both the sights and sounds of this lively waterfowl population.
View Mother Nature in action this winter and visit Gray Lodge Wildlife Area. Although the birds come every year, the sight of hundreds of thousands of squawking, flying waterfowl is always a magnificent thing to witness. Learn more by visiting the refuge's official website.
What do you think? Will you be visiting this wildlife refuge this winter? What are your favorite places in Northern California for birding? Let us know below!
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