Tehama - The Magazine - Red Bluff Daily News
Issue link: http://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/66310
time for idle chit chat. Or gossip. Or complaining. People on bird walks are friendly but focused. It's nice to meet people who have a passion for something and are dedicated enough to take the experience seriously. But not so seriously that an outing becomes a big production. On Your Own, or in a Group over Interstate 5 and turn right at the first stop light, which is Sale Lane. Follow Sale all the way south and you'll arrive at the center, which is an easy walk or bike ride from most nearby motels and RV parks. Equal enjoyment can be had experiencing a bird walk on your own or with a group. The day after I joined the group, I set out on my own to check in on the owls. I found it less intrusive to enter the area by myself and felt more sensitive to the sounds of birds. Yet I also missed having someone to share the joy of quickly spotting the baby owl. I imagine I will continue to join groups to learn from the more experienced. I also see myself heading out on my own to hone my personal observation skills. Year Round Enjoyment With the migratory nature of birds, each month brings some- thing new to discover. The spring and fall migrations are partic- ularly remarkable due to our proximity to the Pacific Flyway. Nesting birds can be followed day by day, week by week, as homes are built, babies hatched, fed, and off to fly on their own. To Your Health I imagine my heart was meant to get pumping through a brisk walk, but I found it racing at the sight of that downy baby owl with big yellow eyes. That has to count for something in my quest for fitness. In any case, the focus on birds worked, because the next day I was out walking at the Discovery Center again to see my beloved owls. I'll be able to answer truthfully to my doctor the next time I report on my exercise habits. And I'll have the birds to thank. Do it 14 Tehama - the Magazine, May, 2012 The Sacramento River Discovery Center is at 100 Sale Lane in Red Bluff. From downtown, take Antelope Boulevard east Killdeer, top, and Yellow Warbler. For more information about the center, visit http://www.srdc.tehama.k12.ca.us/.