Great Place for a Nature Walk
The other day, my wife and I took a nature walk on the Battle Creek Wildlife Area. We headed downstream from the County Line Bridge, along the Tehama County side of Battle Creek. The sky was overcast and the ground was still wet from the previous day’s rain. We had the entire 582-acre wildlife area to ourselves. It was so quiet; you could have heard a pine needle drop, except there are no pines along lower Battle Creek. The riparian zone is vegetated with willows, blackberry thickets, Ailanthus and one of the oldest and tallest remaining stands of old growth cottonwoods and sycamores in California. I really don’t like mentioning Ailanthus (Chinese tree of heaven). Unfortunately, this incredibly invasive exotic is crowding out many of the native plant species.
We hadn’t walked a half mile, when I spotted three mature bald eagles sitting in the upper branches of a leafless cottonwood. As many as twenty of these magnificent white-headed raptors can be seen along Battle Creek during the winter months. Most of the eagles have left, since the salmon spawn is over, but you might see any number of raptor, waterfowl or other bird species in the riparian zone or out in the adjacent fields—great-horned owls love to roost in the old sycamores.
No hunting on the area and Fido must remain on a leash. It’s a great place to get away for a little while and enjoy nature. Google Battle Creek Wildlife Area if you’re interested in learning more.
Randy Howsmon
Hello, Steven,
Just finished your book – thank you. Most entertaining and very easy to read. Did it in one sitting — and I’m a really slow reader. Read a little – throw a log on the fire – read a bit more – throw another –etc. It’s still cold up here – 18 degrees at the barn this AM.
Especially enjoyed The Fall River Elk Killing chapter as not only is it where I live but had previously read a summary of the lead up to the bust of the poachers. I know Wiley Ranch and Adobe Flat quite well, spending lots of time fetching firewood out Spring Creek Road.
You probably know retired Warden Del Huff — he’s my fishing partner.
So, when you are up this way, stop by for a howdy — and maybe even a Keystone!
And, again thanks.
Randy
(530) 336-6300
steve
Thanks so much, Randy.