Every season in our area offers something different. Fall is a great time to venture outside to observe the wonders of the natural world around us. One of the greatest wonders of this season is the annual migration of waterfowl in the Central Valley, grey whales along the coast, and, in a good year, salmon in our rivers. These are all great opportunities for a fun and educational family field trip.
Back before the Gold Rush, during this time of year, the skies over the Central Valley would darken with millions of migratory waterfowl, and the rivers would hold so many migrating salmon that it looked like you could walk across their backs from one bank to the other. In some areas it is still possible to get a glimpse of this former glory. One of these areas is the Cosumnes River Preserve (http://www.cosumnes.org/), located off Interstate 5 between Sacramento and Stockton. It’s a great place to view migrating waterfowl and sandhill cranes. Also, check out the Yolo Basin Foundation for tours and programs on migratory waterfowl (http://www.yolobasin.org/). Along the American River, migrating salmon have often been sighted at the Effie Yeaw Nature Center (http://www.sacnaturecenter.net/) in Carmichael, some even spawn in this area.
Along the coast are various sites where the annual migration of Grey whales can be observed. In the fall, the whales are southbound, leaving summer feeding grounds in Alaska and arriving at breeding grounds in Baja California. In the spring, the Greys head back to Alaska. One site I recommend is Pt. Reyes National Seashore. Find more about viewing opportunities at:
"Migrations speak to us, not just as observers, but as integral parts of nature."
Excerpt from the Preface to Scott Weidensaul’s book “Living on the Wind: Across the Hemisphere with Migratory Birds”
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