Category: Nature

Wildlife & Burns by Dale

8/10/2014

I went out to look at the latest burn on the lower Parkway this evening. It appears that roughly 10-30 more acres of mostly grassland habitat burned in this fire across the river from Sutter's Landing Park on 8/2/14 while I was away. The area that burned in this fire likely overlaps with part of the larger Woodlake fire that burned here about a year ago. There have been many such fires on the lower American River Parkway recently and these fires have resulted in much habitat loss and wildlife impact. The impact to riparian forest and oakwood land habitats are especially destructive and will be slow to restore.

There also benefits from fire including the production of herbs and forbs as new ground cover and forage. This is the case now at last year's Woodlake fire where quite a bit of new vegetation is visible. I saw some raptor activity at the newest burn nearby today but didn't have my binoculars to confirm sps. Very little new vegetation growth was seen within the recent CalExpo (Bushy Lake) fire except for bermuda grass which doesn't have much wildlife value and is nonnative. I have seen at least one of the pair of White-tailed kites that recently nested there but don't know how the rest of this family of raptors fared in that large burn which destroyed much important habitat. Many wildlife likely were able to flee into the adjacent unburned areas where they would have to try and establish new homes and compete with other animals already present. Young wildlife are less likely to be able to escape or survive such fires which can impact future populations.

As I rode back down the bike trail through the Woodlake burned area I spotted several deer and stopped for a closer look. Two young forked horn bucks were casually foraging in the new growth. I watched them for awhile and they were soon joined first by a spotted fawn. A little while later I saw a second fawn and adult doe nearby. A few more fuzzy deer photos can be seen here. This appears to be a single family unit, perhaps with young from the last couple of years. Deer sightings are uncommon in this area of the Parkway but likely to be more common now as new vegetation returns. There is other increasing wildlife activity in the burned area now including a number of turkey flocks and other avian species. Take the time to look closely when you are in these areas and share them.

Recent burn directly across from Sutter's Landing Park

Two young male deer in the Woodlake burn

There is considerable fresh browse in the burned area now

Spotted fawn joined the two adult males

Another fawn and doe were nearby. Look at the far right

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FRIENDS OF THE RIVER BANKS—BIRDING THE BANKS by Hillary White and others

7/21/2014

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A group of 25 people, including at least six youngsters, flocked to the FORB event on Saturday, July 12 to learn about the birds and their habitat along the American River at Sutter's Landing Park. We identified 30 species of birds, including some young birds that were being fed by their parents. It was great to imagine that birds, such as tree swallows and ash-throated flycatchers, were hatched somewhere along this stretch of river and that the trees that were providing us with shade were also providing all of these birds with a home.

Along the river, we saw a gaggle of Canada geese floating by and several white-faced ibises flying overhead. As two belted kingfishers flew by we learned that the females of this species are more dazzling than the males, which is an exception in the bird world. We also saw mallards, a double-crested cormorant, great blue heron, and great egret. Swainson’s hawks are usually found nesting near this stretch of river and were seen high overhead during this outing. Nests of several other species were noted too. We then climbed up the bank to the cottonwood thickets and heard Nuttall’s woodpeckers, which are common in the tree canopy of Boulevard Park. Still wandering around the trees, we saw fly-catching birds, including black phoebes and Western kingbirds.

Our guide on this adventure, ornithologist Hillary White, is a Senior Wildlife and Restoration Ecologist with H.T. Harvey & Associates and works on projects that benefit birds and other wildlife.

The full list of bird species we saw was recorded on eBird and can be viewed there if you set up a free account. eBird allows birdwatchers to compile and share data with researchers to better monitor species. FORB contributes to this effort and the observation list from this outing is also copied below. For a list of all birds and wildlife that have been viewed at Sutter's Landing Park visit the "What's There" link FORB’s web site, www.friendsoftheriverbanks.org. For more about all things ornithological, check out www.allaboutbirds.org, a comprehensive web site maintained by the Cornell University Lab of Ornithology.

American River Parkway--Sutter's Landing Park, Sacramento, US-CA
Jul 12, 2014 9:00 AM - 10:45 AM
Protocol: Traveling
1.0 mile(s)
Comments: Friends of the River Banks monthly walk.
30 species

Canada Goose 45
Mallard 12
Double-crested Cormorant 5
Great Blue Heron 1
Great Egret 1
White-faced Ibis 12 flyover
Turkey Vulture 2
Red-shouldered Hawk (California) 1
Swainson's Hawk 2
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 8
Mourning Dove 6
Black-chinned Hummingbird 1
Belted Kingfisher 2
Nuttall's Woodpecker 1
American Kestrel 1
Black Phoebe 3
Ash-throated Flycatcher 2
Western Kingbird 7
Western Scrub-Jay 3
American Crow 2
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 1
Tree Swallow 40
Oak Titmouse 2
House Wren 1
American Robin 1
Northern Mockingbird 3
European Starling 2
Spotted Towhee 2
House Finch 4
Lesser Goldfinch 2

FORB plans to host similar events in the future.

Getting an update on all the things happening at or affecting Sutter's Landing Park before we bird the banks.

Hillary heard and identified a number of species while filling in details on their natural history and behavior.

The group was game to travel through upland and riparian habitat in search of the birds of the banks.

Many of our observations were also made along the river.

We appreciated the shady habitat while getting more details on all the birds seen and heard.

A lone coyote watched the group from a high point on the mound.

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FRIENDS OF THE RIVER BANKS VISITS THE MAIDU AT CAMP POLLOCK by Nita Davidson

6/24/2014

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The FORB event on Saturday, June 14 attracted about 50 people, including more than a dozen who arrived by bike. We met downriver about a mile from Sutter’s Landing Park at Camp Pollock to learn about the rich lives of the Nisenan Maidu, who thrived in this area until the Gold Rush. Chuck Kritzon, primitive education expert, gave a fascinating introduction to Maidu culture and highlighted the incredible natural resources of this area that supported it.

We began the morning by meeting inside the recently restored Camp Pollock lodge, which was built in 1924. Chuck laid out reproductions of Maidu artifacts on several tables for us to examine. As he described them, we learned that the Maidu used every part of the local plants and animals for tools, hunting and fishing equipment, clothing, musical instruments, games and toys, and currency. When they needed obsidian to make tools, they traded feathers with tribes near Mount Lassen or the Modoc area. They fashioned whistles from duck wing bones and dice for gambling out of walnut shells. They made water-tight baskets from sedge roots and nets out of dogbane to catch salmon and sturgeon.

As we ventured outside toward the river, we saw some of the important local plants. Oak trees were plentiful and provided acorns for mush that was baked into pancakes. Manzanita berries and elderberries could be made into cider or used medicinally. The Maidu dug up mature brodeia bulbs and roasted them like potatoes, leaving smaller bulbs to mature for harvesting the following year. In this way, they continued reaping bulbs from the same fields for hundreds of years.

After hiking down to the river, we returned to the lodge where several people played native gambling games.

For more information about Camp Pollock activities, visit www.sacramentovalleyconservancy.org. The lodge, only minutes away from Boulevard Park or Sutter's Landing Park by bike or car, can be rented for special events or office retreats.

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FORB's Fabulous Fungi Event 3/8/14

3/13/2014

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Looking back towards the former landfill mound as our large turnout learns about our fantastic fungi neighbors

Once again, Ryan LaPorte led us on a search for mushrooms and other fungal bodies and shared his knowledge about these fantastical organisms. On a bright “early” spring day an estimated 40+ people of all ages came out to learn about the secret world of the fungi among us. Ryan also brought some live examples of locally grown fungi as well as a copy of his favorite pocket guide to identify them.

There was another first for a FORB outing as we were joined by buddhist nuns from the City of the Dharma Realm Temple and School in West Sacramento.

The group quickly spotted some common varieties growing in the grass thanks to recent rains that have managed to green things up in this very dry winter. Approximately 15 species of mushrooms and other fungi were found during this very rewarding outing. Ryan indicated this may have been the greatest number seen on a FORB outing. We plan to add a complete species list on the FORB website soon.

The large turnout for this event was happy to learn that porta-potties at the nearby Bailor building skate park were available when needed. Also, a very big “Thank You!” to City and County rangers who responded to our discovery of an illegal encampment along the river at Sutter’s Landing Park the day before this event. They were able to respond and removed 14 bags of trash just in time for our event. Amazing!

Plan on joining us for this and other events in the future. Mark your calendar for Saturday, April 12: Return of the Swainson's Hawk Celebration.

Ryan LaPort ready to lead a big group that turned out for this popular FORB event.

Locally grown by Dragon Mushrooms

Ryan and his mushroom cap and gear

Waiting for the walk to begin

Heading down to search for fungi

Hidden in the grass

Jelly fungus

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Sunning Beavers at Sutters Landing Park by Robert Sewell

1/23/2014

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This warm record breaking January 2014 weather seems to be coaxing the beavers at Sutter's Landing out to bask in the sun during the afternoons. Normally they are seldom, if ever, seen durning daylight. Bring your binoculars and take a look at these elusive animals which we often detect by where they've been and what they did, but rarely see in person. Notice how colorful their fur is when it dry. I first saw two of them this year on MLK day when I noticed what looked like a furry stump in the water near the river bank. Even with my binoculars it looked like a stump because it remained motionless for nearly a half hour. It quietly slipped into the water and swam up river past the second one resting on a log and then went into it's den. Many more den entrances are now visible with such low water levels.

Tuesday Jan. 21st, our neighbor and her girls sent a text to say they saw five beavers! When I got there this was the only one still sunning. There was also a small group of common mergansers hunting and posturing near the beaver. The male mergansers have many attention getting signals such as making sudden loud splashes with their feet, tail raising and chest raising, see photos below. Another group were hunting down river, all together there were about twenty or more.

On Wednesday Jan. 22 afternoon, I saw the largest flock of meadowlarks I've seen this winter. They flitted and flew along the fence line of the mound and I guessed they numbered about thirty or forty.

It'll be interesting to see how the wildlife will fare at the Park this year, but they are survivors, especially with a little help from all their Friends of the River Bank s. Please share your observations with FORB so we can all better understand the health and value of the Park and Parkway to wildlife, nature, and our enjoyment.

The best chance to see these beavers currently is to head upstream to the second trash can and look across the river from there. Good luck!

A favorite Beaver sunning spot.

The Beavers fur takes on a richer color when it dries out.

Common Mergansers, lower left. The male does a slash kick with its foot.

Mergansers pass by the Beaver without taking any notice.

Chest up!

Up river across from the beaver dens, north bank at Sutter's Landing Park.

Great Blue Heron, near a beaver den.

Female Merganser snorkeling for fish.

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FORB 2014 New Years Day Event!

1/4/2014

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30+ people walked, biked or carpooled for hot beverages and goodies before a brief discussion on the tree mitigation project and then a tour of the planting site now underway at the park. At least three generations were present at the event including new and familiar faces. A coyote crossed the mound and levee in full view to the group as it headed down to the river.

A good way to arrive on a sunny day

A very good group turned out and was treated to hot beverages & goodies before hiking down to the mitigation planting site.

Always lots to see and do at Sutter's Landing Park.

The tree mitigation work was taken on by the city after staff unnecessarily destroyed a stand of cottonwoods in a detention basin. Members of the city-appointed committee were present to give some background as the group walked to the triangle parcel east of the mound and mainly visible from west bound business I-80. The city has done a good job of follow through on this matter. Native species of trees and shrubs have been planted and are now being maintained under city contract. The plants have mulch and are watered by a system that has been installed to deliver hauled in water. The final report approved by the city council is available here and includes a number of recommendations to preserve existing habitat, restore habitat, and involve the public. (http://www.cityofsacramento.org/parksandrecreation/pdf/sutters-l-p_sltrm-approved-report.pdf)

Detention basin near the triangle parcel where a stand of cottonwood trees were cut down. The current mitigation planting will replace this loss.

Looking at recent planting activity at the site. Deer fencing is not thought to be necessary but monitoring is part of the project.

Hopefully another kind of forest will grow here.

Earlier 2013 view of Elderberry bushes on the UP railroad portion of the triangle parcel that were cut by billboard crew. These shrubs provide potential habitat for the Valley Elderberry Longhorn Beetle, a federal threatened species.

Parks and Recreation commissioner Jeff Harris gave the group an overview of the many issues and activities around SLP. He indicated that the current intent is to preserve and feature natural habitat/open space values at the park as has been requested by a majority of the public. There are ongoing projects and landfill operations that need to be considered and integrated into this long term vision.

Sutter's Landing Park issues & future discussion with Parks and Recreation Commissioner Jeff Harris.

On the way back walking along the river the group noted the low water dry conditions present there. A number of wildlife and their signs were seen with the highlight being watching a young peregrine falcon swoop through a group of common goldeneyes before perching across the river in a ghost cottonwood snag. An appropriate sighting given the recovery of this species after nearly losing it to toxic chemicals and other human impacts. Peregrine falcons were recently delisted from the California Endangered Species Act after careful status evaluation (https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=9911). This stretch of the river and former landfill/park need similar help to restore habitat and wildlife populations to a healthy condition.

A young Peregrine falcon put on a show for the group by swooping on a group of nervous Goldeneye ducks before perching across the river in a ghost cottonwood snag.

A nearby scene but not part of the day's activities.

The group also noted increased signs of human disturbance in the park including litter, vegetation destruction, fires, slope trampling and fireworks debris. More work is needed with all of these issues at the park.

2014 is off to a good and hopeful start at Sutter's Landing Park with its many natural resource and open space values. There are many issues and activities that need careful evaluation, participation and oversight to insure that these vales will continue to remain far into the future.

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Earth Day Week at Sutter's Landing Park

4/27/2013

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Photos during Earth Day week at Sutters Landing Park by Robert

Poppies

Lupine

Grasses & lady bug

Morning in the SLP meadow

Wood duck couple

Coyote

Ground Squirrel

Yellow-billed magpie

Red-tailed Hawk and chick

Red-tailed Hawk chick

Red-tailed Hawk at nest

Turkey or Merganser? You make the call ;-0!

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Western Meadowlarks on the Mound @ Sutter's Landing Park

3/9/2013

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Western Meadowlarks are seen most of the year on the fenced off mound area at Sutter Landing Park. With the warm spring-like weather we’ve been enjoying, we think these ground nesters will soon be sitting on eggs. This mound is the only place I see these birds in such large numbers near our Midtown home. Their bright yellow breast and melodious calls have been the reason some have taken up the adventure of becoming birders.

Though they spend much time on the ground, they are strong flyers. A week ago as I walked along the upper levee road, I paused to take in the sounds of a flock of them calling / communicating in a river bank tree. A couple of others also stopped to listen in.

Being ground nesters that have to be good in the use of camouflage. As a person approached this bird, it simply positioned itself between two dry plants, crouched down and froze in place. When he passed it resumed feeding.

Like this one, look and listen for their call next you walk along the bike trail on your way to the river.

The length of their strong beaks is well suited to dig and probe for insect larvae and for catching grasshoppers. Normally your best chance to see these birds is when they are in flight, moving from one area of the mound to another. Good luck. Robert

NOTE: A good source of California information comes from California Partners in Flight Grasslands Conservation Plan by Bob Allen. Meadowlark info: http://www.prbo.org/calpif/htmldocs/species/grassland/wemeacct.html

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Photos from Feb. 2nd Sat. Mushroom walk (hint, look up too !) from Robert

2/13/2013

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Osprey fishing at Sutters Landing Park, Feb. 2nd morning. This was my first sighting of osprey fishing this lower part of the American River. NOTE: Robert has some great mushroom photos too & they are posted separately...

I first saw two Ospreys fly down river this morning

Later this one returned

Several low passes back and forth above the river

My first sighting with a catch

Not until I enlarged the photos did I realize it had two fish!

Where to perch now?

saw it finally head up to the protected area of the mound, there one fish was dropped to the ground, out of my sight. Obviously it could not land to feed until one talon was freed. Lucky for it no gulls where around.

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A clear view?

2/9/2013

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Just east of the former landfill at Sutter's Landing Park there is a triangular parcel wedged between the freeway, river, and RR tracks. This location is intended to be where the city will do a mitigation replanting project to compensate for the recent nearby removal of a stand of trees. The city owns a portion of the parcel now and the RR owns the rest.

This week, I noticed some newly cut trees at the site as well as some bright pink staking. I inquired to find out if the mitigation project was starting up and to find out more about the vegetation removal done. It turns out that the city has put staking in place recently to identify the limits for the upcoming planting. That work did not include any vegetation removal. After more inquiries, it was learned that a company that leases some the land from the RR for a large billboard was recently onsite & removed some "volunteer" growth.

I hiked out to this corner of the property today and found that the vegetation removed included some mature elderberry shrubs and other cover that provides some of the best habitat on the parcel currently. The city indicated they have no control of the area in question and have no plans to plant any new vegetation there. It does seem that the owner and leasee would need a permit from the city for the billboard and there is certainly a need to protect elderberry habitat which may host the federally endangered valley elderberry longhorn beetle as well as provide good habitat in an area where there is the primary goal. Clearly, more thought and follow-up is needed...

Looking west along the freeway & back towards the former landfill. Note the billboard and recently cut vegetation

Recently cut elderberry have been present for years at this location

Looking across cut elderberry towards the area to be planted by the city

Meanwhile, on the other side of the former landfill, a lone elderberry remains after a project recently removed all the stockpiled soil and graded the area bare. Previously, vegetation there provided cover for foraging and movement along this side of the river. Future habitat restoration is needed here too.

by Dale

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Wildlife & Burns by Dale

FRIENDS OF THE RIVER BANKS—BIRDING THE BANKS by Hillary White and others

FRIENDS OF THE RIVER BANKS VISITS THE MAIDU AT CAMP POLLOCK by Nita Davidson

FORB's Fabulous Fungi Event 3/8/14

Sunning Beavers at Sutters Landing Park by Robert Sewell

FORB 2014 New Years Day Event!

Earth Day Week at Sutter's Landing Park

Western Meadowlarks on the Mound @ Sutter's Landing Park

Photos from Feb. 2nd Sat. Mushroom walk (hint, look up too !) from Robert

A clear view?

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