Description: This is rare opportunity to look for birds on Beale Air Force Base. Department of Defense facilities preserve some of best remaining habitats in the U.S. and Beale is a great example. The base includes one of largest and best-preserved areas of Central Valley grassland, a habitat under severe threat from urban development and conversion to agriculture. A base biologist will accompany us as we search the grasslands for Ferruginous and Rough-legged Hawks, and several other raptor species, maybe even a Bald or Golden Eagle. Falcons may include American Kestrel, Merlin, and Prairie Falcon. Horned Larks and Western Meadowlarks should be abundant. Surprises like Mountain Bluebirds are also possible this time of year. We will also visit some large ponds that can harbor several species of waterfowl and an oak riparian zone with its own suite of typical species. The trip will be by carpool with a number of short stops and one short walk on flat ground. If there’s enough time, we may drive by to see the Global Hawk, an unmanned aerial vehicle surveillance aircraft, and some other points of interest on the base.
Important Note: To gain access to the base, each adult participant must provide their full name and driver’s license number. Participants over age 16 must have a current photo ID to show base security personnel. The driver of each vehicle entering the base must provide current vehicle registration and proof of insurance.
Leader: Ed Pandolfino
Details
Thank you from the entire Swan Festival team and our supporters for your participation in this wonderful event!
All field trips start at our Swan Central Festival Venue location at 720 Yuba St. Marysville, CA where you will find dozens of exhibitors, exhibitions and two full days of FREE workshops for the whole family!
For more information on our Swan Central Festival Program, please visit the website and view the festival program.
Happy Birding!