Those of you who have seen my chronicles on the wildlife side of the lower American River over the years, know how I’ve marveled at the little Goldeneye diving Ducks, who spend their winters with us. They are one of the last to arrive but they add a splash of color before they fly back to the far north USA, Canada and Alaska to nest.

From these photos you can see why they have been so named, but it’s not as easy to see the males dark iridescent green heads. As striking as the males are now, I wonder what they look like in breeding season? Today the males where displaying by throwing their heads all the way back like some fancy dances. 

When you come up to see them, bring your binoculars and a friend. Listen to hear their whistling wing beats as they fly by. They are shy, so enjoy the scenery and waiting for them to come your way. Good luck!

Any one know where they roost at night?

Another duck I saw looks like the female GE. It’s called the Pied-billed Grebe, also a diving duck, but even smaller. Some of them spend their winter in S. America. ………. Ah to have a ticket to Fly!

I saw several couples today such as the White-tailed Kites which could be heard vocalizing from across the rive on the north bank. Probably discussing Michael’s inaugural party dress.

I saw a couple of handsome Green Herons, which I seldom see on the river.

A couple of stately Great Egrets flew by a couple of times.

A couple plus one, Red-tailed Hawks did some fancy flight maneuvers high over the north bank.

A Belted Kingfisher was so noisy that it sounded like a couple having a republican verses democrat debate.

I saw a small flock of American Pipits feeding along the upper leave road, but so far I haven’t seen the large numbers I’ve seen in years past. For such slim little birds I marvel at the distance some of them migrate to nest in Alaska and even the Arctic. SL is a welcomed habitat for migrators.

Finally I saw a lone Sea-river Lion working its way back down river, probably after another successful day of fishing.

My last sighting of the day was of a person flying above the west end of the Park, in a three-wheeler winged contraption! What a cool way to fly!

The Rive never disappoints an “open-eyed visitor!”

Robert, Friends Of the River Banks

It is obvious to anyone who spends much time on the bike trail or other parts of the parkway that fires have increased and are causing the loss of many mature cottonwoods and other important vegetation. There are several extensive burned areas at Sutter's Landing Park and in many other areas along the river. This needs attention and questions are being raised including a proposal to start a task force to work on the problem. A secondary question has come up about whether or not the extensive stands of wild grape could contribute to the intensity of these fires or cause other losses to cottonwoods and other vegetation sometimes heavily covered by this native species known to be important for wildlife in the area.

I made an informal review of wild grape cover along the American River and nearby section of the Sacramento River recently. Here are some preliminary thoughts and observations about whether these or other vines are causing habitat destruction along the river.  Wild grape along the river. 

We need to be able to gather more information on the causes and solutions for the increase fires along the river. This would also be an opportunity to learn more about the role wild grape may play in and around these burned areas as well as other areas along the parkway. We can all pay more attention to these questions and look for solutions too.

The 6th annual FORB gathering had some 50+ folks come out for a beautiful crisp New Year's Day morning. We enjoyed seeing old friends and making new ones while we warmed up with hot beverages and oatmeal cookies. The nature walk along the river was fun and gave as all a good reminder of what a special place this is to have in our neighborhood. Some notes and photos were posted at the new twitter account (@FORB2013). Here are a few more from Robert Sewell. He reported seeing "about six Western Blue Birds feeding near the river, along with several Yellow-rumped Warblers and a male  Northern red-shafted flicker carving out a nest cavity in clear sight of the lower river road. We’ll watch to see if it will actually nest here this summer. Most of them migrate up to the mountain in the spring".