My longtime friend and Northern California Resident Walter, served as my tour guide when I paid him a visit in April 2023. When planning the trip we immediately agreed that this visit would be to see as much wildlife as possible visiting as many areas as we could. We made numerous stops throughout the region. Watching Elephant Seals along the coast, colonies of Acorn Woodpeckers in the forests and playful groups of waterfowl in the marshes and beaches throughout the region. I’ve selected some of my favorite pictures that represent unique moments in our journey.
Wildlife photography was the focus of the trip but the diverse landscapes and beautiful views couldn’t be ignored. That was evident from the very start. Heading north from Redding, Mount Shasta dominated the landscape. With an elevation reaching over 14,000 feet, this volcanic peak with clouds flowing over the summit was mesmerizing.
Within a couple of hours of getting off the plane at the Redding Regional Airport I saw my first Acorn Woodpecker in Turtle Bay. This was going to be fun! The following day we headed north past Mount Shasta. Montague, CA is located in Siskiyou County, near the base of Mount Shasta. There I found a Loggerhead Strike. These are fascinating songbirds with characteristics that set them apart from others. They are medium-sized birds that have a striking appearance with a gray body, and a black facial mask. It’s the hooked bill is the first sign that all is not as it appears. That’s because their hunting behavior sets them apart. They impale their prey, such as insects and small vertebrates, on thorns or barbed wire fences. They don’t look so cute or innocent after learning that fact.
We also spent time in the wetlands of Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge. There I saw the striking Ruby-crowned Kinglet, the Wilson’s Warbler and more. Nearby were the awe-inspiring Redwood Trees in Prairie Creek Redwoods National and State Park. The Redwoods seem impossibly large. Reaching heights over 350 feet they are among the tallest trees on Earth and can live for centuries, with some more than 2,000 years old. These lush redwood forests, bordered a picturesque coastline, harboring abundant wildlife. It’s no wonder even Bigfoot lives here. Unfortunately he was away visiting relatives during our visit.
I’d love to say that the carefully planned trip was designed to allow us to participate in Godwit Days Spring Birding Migration Festival but in fact it was total chance. This annual celebration of avian migration provided unique opportunities to witness various bird species in action. Birdwatching walks, expert-led tours, and informative workshops further deepened my appreciation for the region’s birdlife. Waking up at 4am was challenging but we witnessed the predawn flights of the Marbled Murrelet which as it turns out, look like flying potatoes! Sadly, the early morning darkness meant no pictures but as soon as the sun rose there were many other animals to photograph.
To reach one of the few known colonies of Elephant Seals in Northern California involved a substantial commitment. We took a lengthy drive down dirt roads, hiked a half hour along rugged coast in gale force winds, waded across a one foot deep, ice-cold stream before coming face-to-face with a colony of more than 100 of these giants lounging on the beach. These magnificent marine mammals, with their massive size and distinct trunk-like snouts, are a sight to behold. Although the don’t move very fast on land they are definitely not an animal I’d want to upset. They are known for their spirited battles during the breeding season, where dominant males compete for the attention of the females. As soon as I saw these magnificent creatures sprawled out along the beach the misery of my journey to see them faded away and I raised my camera to document the encounter. Amazing.
We also spent time just north of Sacramento visiting several hotspots including the renown Sacramento Wildlife Refuge and Gray Lodge Wildlife Area. There I added numerous birds to my life list. I also saw a Jack-Rabbit for the first time.
My Northern California adventure was extraordinary which seemed like surprises were at every turn. I went looking for birds and found a love and appreciation for the incredible beauty and diversity California holds along with a trove of cherished memories, captured within the thousands of photographs that will remind me of this extraordinary journey. And yes – I had a great time sharing yet another adventure with my good friend, Walter. If you’d like to see a video documenting my 2018 trip to see Walter you can see it here.
