Tehama - The Magazine

October 2014, TEHAMA - THE MAGAZINE 7 geese will be arriving as part of their annual migration along the Pacific flyway. This flyway extends from Alaska to Patagonia. The waterfowl stop over to rest and refuel during this long migration. During their stay, they move between the refuge lands and the local agricultural lands. Their daily schedules are predictable, with the ducks feeding overnight in the agricultural lands and flying back to the various refuges about 45 minutes before sunrise and returning to those fields about 45 minutes after sunset. The geese stay out later and fly onto the refuge between 10 and 11 a.m. They depart again about 15 minutes after sunset. Auto tours The auto tours in both Sacramento and Colusa refuges are open from an hour before sunrise to an hour after sunset in order to provide a great view of these large fly-ons and fly-offs. The auto tour routes provide great opportunities to capture wildlife photos. The main Sacramento refuge has a 6-mile auto tour that begins at the Visitor Center. Visitors are required to stay in their vehicles, but there are three stop-and-stretch areas where visitors are able to get out and view the area from special viewing spots. A multi-level platform is located about half way around the auto tour with several viewing opportunities around it. The Colusa refuge has a 3-mile auto tour and a platform at the beginning of the auto tour. The roads are one-way and take you by several water filled units and dikes. Along the roads are numerous trees and snags. While driving, go slow and look up at those trees. Raptors of all kinds from hawks to eagles live in the refuges. If you see a vehicle stopped ahead of you, approach slowly and keep your eyes open and your camera ready.

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