Sutter Natural Wildlife Refuge, just north of Sacramento, is full of migratory birds now, such as Snow Geese (top and bottom), Hawks, and the Great
Egreat any many others.

This hawk is one of  the many seasonal travellers along the Pacific Flyway.

According to Wikipedia, “The Pacific Flyway is a major north-south route of travel for migratory birds in the Americas, extending from Alaska to Patagonia.

Every year, migratory birds, like this Great Egret, (above) travel some or all of this distance both in spring and in fall, following food sources, heading to breeding grounds, or travelling to over -
wintering sites.

Any given bird species travels roughly the same route every year, at almost the same time. Ornithologists and bird lovers can often predict to the day when a particular species will show up in their area.

In the northern California region, the Vic Fazio Yolo Wildlife Area in the Yolo Bypass is a protected area along the flyway.

The Suisun Marsh, next to the exit of the inverted Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta, hosts many birds and has protected portions.”

One way to check out the birds is this upcoming event:
11th Annual Snow Goose Festival of the Pacific Flyway

January 28-31, 2010.

Contact information:
Phone: (530) 345-1865
Fax: (530) 899-5105
P.O. Box 1063
Chico, CA 95927-1063
Email: info@snowgoosefestival.org

SacPress Photos | Kati Garner

map of  Pacific Flyway | http://migration.pwnet.org