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Bird brains of Yolo County
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There is a need to commune with nature – fast!
While the call of the wild surges – the actual desire to spend a few hours driving to the great outdoors fails to keep pace.
Rather than squelch a nature adventure – let the Vic Fazio Wildlife Area fly to the rescue.
Fly is an operative word here as the 16,000 acre wetland, one of the country’s largest, is home to a plethora of feathered creatures that make this either their permanent or migratory homes.
Sacramento’s skyline shimmers in the nearby distance from atop the levee leading down to Wildlife Area. Located less than 15 miles from downtown, along I-80 westbound, the wildlife area is also on the edge of the university town of Davis and nestled in the fertile agricultural region of the Sacramento River flood plain.
Bike enthusiasts can pedal along the Yolo Causeway, which runs parallel to the interstate between the two cities, but currently are not allowed on the Wildlife Area’s hard dirt and gravel roads. Leave that traversing to car tires and feet.
From dawn to dusk trek freely along the 25 miles of roads armed with nothing more than a pair of binoculars, drinkable water and a sense of adventure. Drive slowly, and listen. Soon ears and even the soul will pick up the rhythm of the animal residents. The wind rustling through dry thrushes is accented with the melodies of songbirds like spotted towhee, western tanagers and the bright yellow and black-capped American goldfinch. In winter and spring a chorus of mate seeking Pacific tree frogs fill the air with their calls.
As a great blue heron majestically strides along the shoreline overhead as a trio of cumbersome looking American white pelicans circle down to a graceful water landing.
Shad, catfish, sturgeon and striped bass are just a few of the fish swimming under the surface. Above it ducks rule!Whether lazily bobbing along with the occasional quack or flapping up a frenzy of wing power as a flock takes off it is a vast amount of ducks that reside at the Yolo Basin Wildlife Area.
With their large bulbous noggins – buffleheads are often the first seen. Look closer. Soon the distinctive bluish green swipe of a green winged teal duck is spotted as is the blue tinted bill and stiff tail of a ruddy duck.
Ducks are so popular here that every February an event called Duck Days is held at the Wildlife Area, along the Yolo Basin and in Davis itself. For those whose expertise centers on the fictional exploits of Daffy and Donald – the real life of Anatidaes will amaze. The Wildlife Area, and its parent Yolo Basin Foundation, is budget friendly too. There is no admission cost for enter and drive/walk the grounds. A host of monthly events from docent lead tours, flyaway night talks to tours of neighboring wetlands are either free or cost a nominal fee.
This wetland conservation project is an easy journey to slow down, breath deep and enjoy Mother Nature’s wonders up close and personal.
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