Spotlight on Diversity

Winter Wonderland

Winter's breath throughout North America makes one want to stay indoors and warm themselves before a blazing fire. How many of your winter days are spent staring at the television or just wiling away the hours in the great pursuit of doing nothing? Winter in south central California and the southern Sierra is a time of bustling activity. Winter resident birds occupy fields and lakes throughout the region. Join one of the Kern County or your local area Christmas Bird Counts.

Bald Eagles fly down from northern breeding grounds to hunt along local waterways and foothills. Look for eagles over Lake Ming, Isabella Reservoir, Kern National Wildlife Refuge or along the California Aqueduct near the Edmonston Pumping Plant at the base of the Grapevine.

Sandhill Cranes with their amazing cacophony of song flying back to their overnight roosts is a sight that no one should miss. Read a story about my visit to Pixley a few years back and open it in Internet Explorer to hear the birds as they flew above me. Find Sandhill Cranes in the Carrizo Plain but mostly at Pixley National Wildlife Refuge. Up to six thousand congregate there beginning with a few scouts in late September up until early March.

In winter, bird watching in the San Joaquin Valley becomes alive with waterfowl, pelicans, hawks, woodpeckers, and many perching birds. See my page on where to bird and how to get in touch with the various land owners.

The Sequoia National Forest closes most of their roads after the first significant snow, but this presents an opportunity to wander relatively unmolested on the roads and trails. Experiencing natural flocking on the pines and firs of the Sierra is such a peaceful event that is a must for those who need to decompress from the daily stress of city living. You can hire Mountain & River Adventures to lead you on a winter sports adventure. There is no winter access to the giant sequoias except in private areas and in Sequoia National Park.

Drive to the top of the mountain on Hwy 155 and take a trip up Rancheria Road. Park on the shoulder and breath deep the clean crisp air after a snowstorm. Or visit the Los Padres Forest off of Interstate 5, take a hike up to Mt. Pinos or Mt. Abel. The county closes the gates to the mountains but you can still hike in and enjoy the winter birds and scenery.

Take a trip to the desert at Red Rock Canyon or the Rademacher Hills in Ridgecrest and hike one of the many trails that lead into the wilderness. Look for Sage Sparrow, Black-throated Sparrow, LeConte's Thrasher, and Verdin to entertain you during your visit. Just don't sit home and think there is nothing to do. Kern County and the southern Sierra are full of winter wonders.