Watchable Wildlife

Humboldt County

 

The Elk of Redwood National Park

Roosevelt elk are the largest and most visible land mammal in the northern redwood region. Elk watching "hotspots" in Redwood National and State Parks are at Davison Road (one hundred yards from Highway 101) and Elk Prairie along Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway (.5 mile from the southern junction with Highway 101). The open prairies in each of these places allow safe, close viewing of elk herds from your vehicle. Never approach elk on foot; they are wild animals and become aggressive during courtship and when protecting calves. Humans who have crossed the low wooden fences and entered elk prairies have been charged in Redwood National and State Parks. Tune in to AM 1610 at Elk Prairie along Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway to learn more about seasonal behavior and ecology of elk.

707-465-7306

707-464-1812

http://www.redwood.national-park.com/sights.htm

 

Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge

Humboldt Bay NWR is located on Humboldt Bay on the northwest California coast. The refuge has two main purposes: to protect and enhance wetlands and bay habitats for migratory birds, especially black brant, and to protect endangered species and their habitats, including the Humboldt Bay wallflower. The refuge includes the Lanphere and Ma-le'l Dunes, one of the most pristine remaining dune ecosystems in the Pacific Northwest. It also administers Castle Rock NWR, a 14-acre island located less than a mile off the California coast, which contains the largest breeding population of common murres in California and provides a roost for Aleutian cackling geese during migration.

1020 Ranch Road

Loleta, CA 95551
707-733-5406.

[email protected]

www.fws.gov/humboldtbay

 

Lake County

 

Guided Bird Walks, Lake Port

The Lake County Land Trust hosts guided bird walks at the Rodman Slough Preserve on Saturdays. The walks, which last 90 minutes, begin at 8:00 a.m. June - August and 9:00 a.m. September - May. Rodman Slough is home to Northern California’s largest great blue heron rookery, plus a variety of gulls and the Caspian tern. In the winter, large flocks of American white pelicans, common mergansers, double-crested cormorants, and occasionally a bald eagle can be viewed. Rodman Slough is accessible by kayaks and other watercraft, but the Preserve is only accessible via the guided walks. Admission is free.

6350 Westlake Road

Lakeport, CA

(707)279-0923

(707)994-2024

www.LakeCountyLandTrust.org

 

Boggs Mountain Demonstration State Forest, Cobb

The forest features 25 miles of unimproved roads, more than 21 miles of non-motorized use trails, and two no-fee campgrounds with 19 campsites.

Ponderosa pine and Douglas fir are major habitat types, as well as chaparral, manzanita, mixed conifer forest, coffeeberry, and live and black oak. Along with several bird species, the black-tailed hare, black bear, bobcat, brush mouse, chipmunk, deer mouse, dusky-footed woodrat, gray fox, mountain lion, mule, deer, ornate shrew raccoon, western gray squirrel, wild pig, garter snake, sagebrush lizard, southern alligator lizard, western fence lizard, and western rattlesnake are the major wildlife that call Boggs home.

Highway 175, one mile North of Cobb.

(707)928-4378

www.BoggsMountain.org

Mendocino County

 

Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens, Fort Bragg

Located on 47 acres that lie between California's scenic Highway One and the Pacific Ocean, this magnificent site includes canyons, wetlands, coastal bluffs, and a closed-cone pine forest. Set among this striking background is a varied array of plant collections. The Gardens' main trails are wheelchair accessible to the ocean. You are welcome to bring a picnic to enjoy on the grounds. Well-mannered dogs on leashes are also welcome. Gardens open daily all year (hours vary by season). 

18220 North Highway One

Fort Bragg, CA 95437

707.964.4352 

http://www.gardenbythesea.org

 

Yolla Bolly Wilderness- Middle Eel Wilderness, Willows

The Yolla Bolly-Middle Eel Wilderness provides quite a wealth of wildlife. The more abundant game species are: the Columbia black tail deer, black bear, wild turkey, gray squirrel, grouse, and quail. Other animals that live in the Wilderness are mountain lions, bobcats, coyotes, ring-tailed cats, raccoons, marten, otters, weasels, chipmunks, and numerous other small species. Eagles, hawks, turkey vultures, and multitude of other bird life find summer homes in this Wilderness (including the Northern Spotted Owl).

Forest Supervisor's Office
825 North Humboldt Avenue
Willows, California 95988
(530) 934-3316

www.fs.fed.us/r5/mendocino

 

Sonoma County

 

Sonoma Coast State Park, Bodega Bay

Bodega Head is the rocky headland that forms the entrance into Bodega Harbor. The harbor side provides a popular crabbing area along the jetty, and the many hiking trails on the ocean side allow access to small, sandy coves and spectacular scenic blufftop views. The high cliffs offer excellent vantage points for observing migrating gray whales. Goat Rock, near the mouth of the Russian River, is known for its scenic shoreline and easily accessible sandy beach. Picnic tables and restroom facilities are also available. Goat Rock beach is home to a colony of harbor seals which are fun to watch, but please stay 50 yards from the seals, especially during pupping season (March - August.) Due to the protected status of the seals, NO DOGS are allowed on Goat Rock Beach.

3095 Coast Hwy

Bodega Bay, CA 94923
707-875-3483

www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=451

 

Bouverie Preserve of Audubon Ranch, Glen Ellen

This magnificent 500-acre property was donated to Audubon Canyon Ranch by David Bouverie in 1979. Oak woodlands, mixed evergreen forest, riparian, and chaparral are present in this landscape dominated by Stuart Creek Canyon. This location is known for its amazing spring wildflowers. Because of its diversity, Bouverie Preserve is home to a rich and distinct combination of plants and animals, including more than 130 species of birds, 350 species of flowering plants, and numerous large mammals such as the bobcat, grey fox, and coyote.

Glen Ellen, CA  95442

707-938-4554

www.egret.org/bouverie.html

525 S. Main Street
Ukiah, CA 95482
Main: 866-GOMENDO Fax: 707-462-7598
Email: [email protected]