FORB Blog

Hitching a Ride with a Softshell by Dale (see update for another unusual sighting)

4/24/2023

Hiding in plain sight?

I was out on a regular ride to explore along the lower American River and Sacramento bike trails yesterday afternoon. There is always a lot to see and do on a ride like this and often a surprise or two as well. My first surprise was losing the bike trail in an area I've ridden many times. I should have known it would be an unusual ride then. After being unable to find an invisible detour near Sutterville Road while the Army Corps continues to work on the Sacramento River levee I headed back through Old Town, Discovery Park, and up the Parkway.

As I passed Urrutia pond and was thinking about the new Bald Eagle nest nearby I came to an abrupt stop. A very large and nearly flat turtle was in the middle of the paved trail. It's not uncommon to find a turtle out like this probably searching for an upland area to lay eggs or maybe returning afterwards. This was something different. The turtle was much larger than our native Pond turtles or introduced Sliders. Its smooth shiny shell had a row of bumps around the edge and the face ended with long and pointed snout. Another rider stopped and livestreamed the turtle back his family.

I recognized the turtle as a nonnative softshell and probably the Texas Spiny Softshell which is native to the SW and Mexico but was introduced into irrigation canals in southern California years ago. It seems to be spreading northward but it's not clear if the species is becoming established or being moved around. The vegetation was thick on both sides of the trail bordered by Steelhead Creek on the north and Urrutia pond on the south. We decided it wasn't a good idea to leave it there and moved it a short distance til open water access was available. The turtle seemed no worse for wear and hitched a free ride. It was last seen diving into Steelhead Creek. At this point we don't know much about how this species interacts with native wildlife in the area. The observation has been added to iNaturalist where it can be shared with other biologists and researchers.

Spiny softshell turtle up close

Temporary turtle transport...

Turtle seemed to enjoy the ride...

Midtown turtle art

Turtle Sightings Update: More recently I came across a Red eared Slider along the bike trail further upstream. It's not uncommon to encounter turtles in upland habitat this time of year as they are likely in the process of laying eggs. This turtle caught my eye due to what looked like growths on its shell. After a closer look I determined these were actually Smooth Turtle Leaches. Apparently, freshwater turtles often have one or more leeches somewhere on their shell. I counted 5 and they were alive and moving slightly. It seems these leeches can survive as long as there is some moisture so the turtle probably hadn't been out of the water for long. Check out the link below for more information.

Red eared slider with hitchhiker leeches

Closer look at very much alive leeches

iNaturalist observation link

Identifying California Turtles

Spiny softshell turtle

Turtle Wisdom for Earth Day

Smooth Turtle Leeches

A maze of a barrier with no info about the supposedly available detour...

Lots of signs but no information?

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Thinking Big With River Restoration, Why Not?

3/30/2023

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Coyote looking across Urrutia Pond, former quarry site to be acquired for mitigation, near new Bald eagle nest. Best restoration plans under development?

The lower American River includes a wonderful but heavily impacted Parkway. Appreciated and used by many, the Parkway provides much ecological, wildlife, and recreation values while featuring nature in an urban setting. Recreation uses are increasing and ongoing maintenance and construction projects include parkway impacts. There are still opportunities for conserving, improving, restoring, and recovering these values by effective onsite mitigation, restoration, adding additional parcels and working to fix existing problems. There are many examples of projects that restore values in parks, refuges, and other settings that include river habitats. This type of work is not easy or quick but can yield great results. One way to imagine what is possible is to look elsewhere and see what has been done.

One recently completed project that has been well documented and has much to offer when thinking big about what future restoration work could look like is the "Steigerwald Reconnection Project". This project is the largest to date restoration on the lower Columbia River taking about 10 years and including around 1000 acres of land. Steigerwald is considered an "urban refuge" and is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Every location and project has unique features, constraints, and opportunities but looking at larger projects like "Steigerwald Reconnection Project" can help aim higher with better long term results. It's important to look closely and find ways to improve existing conditions, avoiding future impacts and restoring much more habitat that was previously lost.

Dellar and levee parcels west of SLP may be added to regional park with new bike trail. How should habitat be restored?

Looking west of SLP including SMUD and Dellar parcels. How could they be restored for wildlife?

Restoration underway at Bushy Lake near CalExpo but considerable non-native vegetation remains.

I80 bridge work across American River Parkway includes many habitat impacts but limited onsite mitigation

Potential Egret rookery just upstream from I80 bridge construction site.

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Time Out For Wildlife

12/19/2022

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Cooler temperatures and even rain from time to time have reduced the amount of human activity along SLP. For wildlife, it's a time to rest up and get ready for winter and then the next breeding season. For those that take the time to bundle up and get out on the trails or along the river the chances are good for some quality wildlife viewing.

Recently the 38th annual ARNHA Wildlife Count took place along the American River Parkway and Team Otter was out there tallying observations again. Steady rain washed out most counting on Saturday but the next day was a better time to count many of the species seen this time of year.

A preliminary summary of the Team Otter count can be viewed in this spreadsheet. The data from all the teams is being summarized in eBird and will be used to contribute citizen science to better understand bird trends in the area.

An example of unusual sightings that can happen this time of year was a flock of 20 Tundra swans flew overhead today calling as they headed somewhere else inland. Cormorants, Goldeneyes, Mallards, Gulls, Canada Geese and other many species were out along the river. Nearby upland areas found Yellow-rumped warblers, Western Bluebirds, Western Meadowlarks, Brewers Blackbirds, Red-winged Blackbirds, Black Phoebes, Kestrel, Mourning doves and many more. A large flock of crows were even hanging out at the solar panel farm for reasons only known to them.

SLP remains much cleaner than previous years due to much cleanup effort by volunteers the past few years. Sign of earlier activities remain including compacted soil and erosion along the footpath following the river. Most of the former camp sites have cleaned but there are plenty of signs of where they were found.

Be aware that access along the bike trail is scheduled to be closed in January and February next year due to bridge construction. How much this will affect other actives at SLP remains to be seen. Meanwhile, cleanup crews were removing trash from the triangle mitigation site today and bridge work continues on both sides and in the river at the I-80 crossing. Habitat in the Triangle Mitigation site provide much value for wildlife but heavy occupation and dumping are greatly impacting the location now.

All in all, this is a great time to spend time along the river and SLP in general. Take time out for a visit and slow down to look, listen and enjoy the change in pace and chance to see wildlife enjoying the calmer, cleaner conditions. You won't regret it.

Crows checking out the solar panel farm

City cleanup underway at Triangle Mitigation site.

Camps and cleanup in the Triangle Mitigation site.

Note that closure in at I80 bridge site but adjacent areas will still be accessible

Earth moving underway under the I80 bridge on south side of river.

Painted rocks at a former camp site.

Seahorse marking a former long time camp site.

Lone Double-crested Cormorant resting on a snag in the middle of the river.

Gateway garden of native plants had Yellow-rumped warblers and Western Bluebirds visiting today.

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Fall Wildlife Viewing & Giving Thanks on Lower Am River @SLP by Robert

11/14/2022

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More than 1000 words in this photo from Robert

In all my thirty years of coming to this stretch of the lower American River, it has always been a special place of awe, wonder, renewal, peace, enjoyment, excitement and feelings there are no words for…… it’s home.

Let’s learn from ancient timeless Mother Nature.

"Sutters Landing" was used as the city’s trash dump for many years but was eventually designated as a Regional Park, it deserves to be healed and restored into the "Jewel" of the American River Parkway! In our short lifetime let’s do our best to leave it “Better than We Found it!” For example, let’s restore habitat so our state bird, the California Quail can again thrive there. It’s just one of many wildlife we seldom see here now. Quail were here to greet the First People. There are still good sized coveys of quail and many other wildlife seen in other parts of the Parkway. It might take generations to make this a reality again at "Sutters Landing" but is worth whatever it takes.

Special thanks to Betsy Weiland and the "beautification" team who are keeping the park healthy and welcoming. Thanks also to the Park Rangers who are invaluable! There are others who have been coming to this area of the river for a long time and worked together to create Friends of the River Banks as a local group that welcomed and provided information and friendship over the years to make this area special. Thanks to all who have and still care for this park and our world!

Friends of the River.
Lyvonné & Robert

Fall Wildlife Viewing along the lower American River @ SLP (short video of observations today)

Goldeneyes

Buffleheads
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Note from editor, Robert usually lets his camera do most of the talking...

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River Otter Encounter in the American River Parkway by Dale

10/29/2022

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Note: This is a re-posting from my Making Tracks blog. Be sure to share your otter sightings as suggested below.
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I spotted a river otter feeding in a stormwater outfall this week in the Woodlake area of the lower American River Parkway (directly across the river from SLP). The otter was diving under floating aquatic vegetation and other features under murky water conditions that didn't seem to bother it. I wasn't able to get a decent photo then but was able to relocate the animal on my way back about an hour later. These animals frequently travel considerable distances to locate areas like this that can temporarily provide enough the food required by their high levels of activity.

River Otter Sighting in the American River Parkway

The River Otter Ecology Project has been studying this fascinating member of the weasel family for years. Unfortunately, many otters are killed trying to cross busy roads, including mothers with young animals. I've seen this on the Yolo Causeway and Cosumnes Preserve areas previously. This is one of many reasons to be concerned about maintaining and improving wildlife connectivity. Habitat in places like the American River Parkway have a lot of value in providing areas to forage as well as roam between areas.

There are so many reasons to care about wildlife connectivity, and here’s some good news. Along with the help of the Center for Biological Diversity and fellow supporters, AB 2344, the Safe Roads and Wildlife Protection Act, passed with bipartisan support and was signed by Governor Newsom. We need to continue working to push California to improve wildlife connectivity, for river otters and all species. This new legislation helps but there is still a long way to go. One thing that helps is knowing where otters are seen.

The River Otter Ecology Project encourages everyone to record sightings of otters in their tracking application. Please record them on Otter Spotter (you can do it from your phone). The only requirement is to zoom in as far as you can when you pin the map location, or the sighting doesn’t register properly. The technology collects photos only, but emailing a video to them is always welcome. The project has literally changed the range map for river otters in California, which has very real effects. They've made a story map explaining to whom it matters and why.

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Summer Long Gone

10/6/2022

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And what a summer it was! Filled with much hard work by volunteer crews working long hours regularly to keep the now heavily used riverfront and trails at SLP clean. This effort has been noticed and appreciated by city and county staff who are also giving the area much needed attention to keep the area safe and clean. Fires, illegal camping and dumping and other problems continue but are more quickly dealt with now. These volunteer activities also have much educational value demonstrating how special and valuable SLP is for people to enjoy wildlife and nature.

This summer has also seen new efforts to protect and restore remaining habitat. There was even help from a very hungry work crew...

They did get a bit carried away at times rather than just focusing on invasive annuals and grasses... Photo by Chris Smith

Ugh! There were ongoing problems and dirty deeds like this intentional porta-potty fire below but they were rapidly dealt with.

Boat rain into a submerged tree and was patched before later removal. Photo by Mark Baker

A boat that wrecked at SLP later shipwrecked down by the North Sac bike trail bridge. It later left the area but boat traffic and on the water partying and speeding became more common unfortunately.

Other visitors and activities were much more appreciated and enjoyed! From Robert: "We are getting visits of Ospreys hunting for fish, from the trees on the North bank of the river at SLP!
I was fortunate to get these images on the morning of Aug. 2nd, when there were two birds hunting. I didn’t get a sighting yesterday, but this morning I saw three of them. They are solitary, patient hunters. The link above is helpful in getting to know about them and do “listen to their calls.” So next time you come to the river, bring your binoculars along with your trash picker! :-)"

Osprey perched on north shore across from SLP

Osprey hunting over the river at SLP

Sandhill cranes flying south over SLP

I’ve long wished they’d surprise us with a down town stopover at SLP but they are locked in on their destination further south at Consumnes Preserve and further south?

To get a closer look at Sandhill cranes this fall and winter one of the nearby places to visit is the Woodbridge Ecological Reserve near Lodi.

Here's a brief preview: "Sandhill cranes back 2022"

This Mornings Sun Rise at the River. by Robert

Photos by Robert unless otherwise noted.

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Hello Again and Happy Easter! by Robert

4/16/2022

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Just in time for Easter egg hunting and these birds might already have eggs, but they’d be way hard to find.

A Nuttalls Woodpecker nest is deep inside this tree limb, so it’ll be a while before we see their chicks.

The Northern Rough-wing Swallow’s nest in deep inside bank holes they’ve dug out with their tiny beaks, so it’ll be a some weeks before we see their little ones. Meanwhile, here's a video clip of some bankside activity by these swallows.

It looks like there are a plenty of eggs hatched along the river this Easter!

Happy Easter,
Robert

Nuttall's woodpecker doing what it does best

Rough-winged swallows taking a well earned rest

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Mystery Native Fish Species on the American River? by Dale

2/17/2022

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What native fish species with an incredible evolutionary history predating dinosaurs or trees that has broad cultural and nutritional values to Native Americans is poorly understood and apparently in decline? Most guess Salmon or perhaps Sturgeon but there is another answer. First, another clue even though it is negative and misleading. Sightings of this species in the American River last year were played up in the media as the return of a rare "vampire fish". Neither are true.

Local biologist Chris Conard took this photo of a Pacific Lamprey being eaten in 2020. iNaturalist record also available.

The Pacific Lamprey is a native fish species that had great ecological and cultural values before colonialization. Don't confuse it with the sea lamprey that was introduced into all the Great Lakes when canals were built and now has a major impact on the fish populations there. Despite its native status, amazing evolutionary history and cultural values, the Pacific Lamprey is not well known, is sensationalized by the media, and considered by many as a pest or at best useful as bait for other fish.

Local media show up when someone sees an adult lamprey in the American River which is much less common now. Some local fishers used to claim they harvested considerable numbers for bait in northern California by dip net and a tapping technique that may attract adult spawners as well as collecting newly emerged lamprey around their "nests". It's been a while since those claims were made.

For much more information, including insight and stories from tribal biologists working to conserve the species, check out "Mystery Native Fish Species on Making Tracks!"

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Leave Sleeping Sea Lions & Native Vegetation Alone by Dale

12/31/2021

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I received a call this morning that a large Sea lion was on the south bank of the river between SLP and the RR trestle. It wasn’t known if the animal was hurt, dead, or just sleeping. Sea lion sightings have become common in the fall and winter months in recent years. They've learned to follow returning salmon upstream and enjoy many meals while paddling around the Sacramento and American rivers. We have not documented a Sea lion on the shore before and this could be a cause for alarm. These huge mammals are carnivores and the apex predator in our area when present. Frequent off-leash dog activities lead to wildlife encounters which endanger all involved. In the case of a Sea lion that threat could be much greater. If a Sea lion was injured it might be unable to feed or return downstream to its ocean home.

County rangers were alerted using the County Sheriff dispatch (916-875-7275). A ranger quickly responded and we were able to locate the neighbor who reported the Sea lion sighting. Fortunately, the animal appeared healthy and was back in the river. Apparently an off leash dog encountered it while it was entering the river and was quickly chased away when the Sea lion charged back towards shore. Maybe it was protecting a favorite fishing or sunning spot? Several other people wandered by and were able to get good looks at an adult Sea lion calmly swimming just off shore. It looked healthy and well fed.

Video clip of sleeping Sea lion on shore, near SLP by Anna

California Sea lion wikipedia link

“Who woke me up?”

Sea lion “Dog paddling”?

The end…?

Double-crested cormorants keeping look-out

Sea lion activity seems increased this year and a recent sighting upstream at Paradise Beach several weeks ago indicates they may be continuing to expand their territory here. As with all wildlife, the best way to enjoy them is from a safe distance and avoid altering their activities. Off-leash dogs and off-pavement bicyclists regularly encounter wildlife in sensitive habitats along the American River Parkway unfortunately. Illegal vehicle activity is an ongoing problem causing impacts to sensitive riparian habitat and soils as was painfully visible today. A 311 report was filed for the off-road damage discovered today.

Bank failure due to off-trail activities causing native tree loss and erosion

Four wheel vehicle damage in native plant restoration area

Riparian habitat and bank erosion from 4 wheel vehicle damage

American River Flood Control District activity near 4 wheel vehicle damage site

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Team Otter Back For 37th Annual ARNHA Wildlife Count

12/28/2021

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Team Otter included aquatic and terrestrial coverage again this year!

A wildlife count along the American River has been going on for many years now. 37 in fact! For a fair number of those years, local wildlife lovers have represented the SLP area as "Team Otter" for this count. That includes these most recent and challenging years. Once again we were out for a great day of watching and counting wildlife. Our actual count is posted below. This citizen science effort collected data that is stored in eBird and helps look at trends in wildlife along the American River. This year it was hard to get enough people in the field at some locations but counts were still important. Team Otter will be back in 2022 so plan on joining us or one of the other teams in the area. Effie Yeaw and the American River Natural History Association sponsor these counts and will send out reminders to those interested.

Sutter's Landing Park, Sacramento US-CA 38.58791, -121.46104
Dec 5, 2021
8:00 AM
Traveling
1.50 miles
210 Minutes
All birds reported? Yes
Comments: Team Otter Sutter’s Landing Park Participants: Kathleen Ave, Dale Steele, Robert Sewell; in canoe: Tom Biglione, JoEllen Arnold. 3 subunits.
1 Western Grey Squirrel
2 Fox Squirrel
Numerous recent beaver sign: Chewed tree bark, stripped willow wands in the river.
Several otter slides.

Submitted from eBird for iOS, version 2.8.0 Build 2.8.12

40 Snow Goose -- In flight overhead
32 Canada Goose
1 American Wigeon -- One male, keeping company with a Canada goose
19 Mallard
1 Mallard (Domestic type) -- White, with yellow bill
12 Bufflehead
14 Common Goldeneye
4 Common Merganser
30 Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)
4 Mourning Dove
1 Anna's Hummingbird
7 Killdeer
35 California Gull
51 Double-crested Cormorant
1 Great Blue Heron
1 Turkey Vulture
1 White-tailed Kite
2 Red-shouldered Hawk
1 Red-tailed Hawk
3 Belted Kingfisher
4 Northern Flicker
1 American Kestrel
3 Black Phoebe
2 Say's Phoebe
7 California Scrub-Jay
6 Yellow-billed Magpie
20 American Crow
10 Bushtit
1 Ruby-crowned Kinglet
1 White-breasted Nuthatch
20 European Starling
1 Northern Mockingbird
5 Lesser Goldfinch
3 Fox Sparrow
21 White-crowned Sparrow
22 Golden-crowned Sparrow
1 Savannah Sparrow
2 Song Sparrow
2 California Towhee
16 Brewer's Blackbird
4 Yellow-rumped Warbler

Number of Taxa: 41

American wigeon in non-breeding plumage. Photo by JoEllen

Not participating in the count but someone has caused significant damage to this mature cottonwood, now likely to fall into the river before its time... Photo by JoEllen