Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge ComplexSacramento River Valley, California
Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge Complex
The Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge Complex covers more than 10,000 acres of fields, wetlands, ponds and rivers And sits among farmland about an hour north of Sacramento California.
The Complex itself has five National Wildlife Refuges (NWR)*, and three Wildlife Management Areas (WMA)** and was established primarily, but not solely to provide wintering habitat for waterfowl and to help reduce crop damage in the surrounding areas from the migratory species.
With over 300 species of birds and mammals, the Complex attracts birders and photographers from across the nation and around the world.
* Sacramento, Delevan, Colusa, Sutter, and Sacramento River
** Llano Seco, Butte Sink, and Willow Creek-Lurline.
Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge
This refuge is the jewel of the Complex and houses the Visitors Center. Its wetlands have been planned to allow visitors a good view of the birds while minimizing the risk of disturbing them. There is a car tour route (as there is one at Colusa NWR); however, visitors may leave their cars only at selected sites.
Birds of the Sacramento NWR
American Bald Eagle
Snowy Egret
Red-tailed Hawk
Black-necked Stilts
Turkey Vulture
White-faced Ibis
Western Meadowlark
Bufflehead Duck
American Bald Eagle
Red-tailed Hawk
Northern Pintail Duck
American White Pelicans
Colusa National Wildlife Refuge
Sacramento NWR may be the jewel of the complex, but the real winter action is at Colusa. This refuge is recognized for its wintering populations of more than 200,000 ducks and over 75,000 geese. Thousands of waterfowl are present from September through March with populations peaking in December and January. While snow geese and ducks are ubiquitous in the winter, the Refuge has a significant variety of other mammal and bird species.
Snow Geese
Greater White-fronted Goose
Red-tailed Hawk
Snow Geese
Black-crowned Night Heron
Snow Geese
Double-crested Cormorant
Snow Geese
Puna Ibis
Greater White-fronted Goose
Northern Pintail Duck
Snow Geese
Great Egret
Red-tailed Hawk
Great Blue Heron
Landscapes
While one goes to the Complex to view and photograph birds, the landscapes, sunrises and sunsets can be breath-taking and truly enhance the experience.
Sacramento NWR
Sacramento River NWR
Llano Seco WMA
Near Delevan NWR
Colusa NWR
Sacramento NWR
Sacramento River NWR
Colusa NWR
Llano Seco WMA
Near Delevan NWR
Sacramento NWR
The Sacramento NWR Complex is well known among environmentalists, birders and landscape and wildlife photographers. A visit is well worth the trip.
L. Carl Volpe - carl.volpe@gmail.com
More images from the Sacramento NWR Complex and other wildlife areas may be found in the links below