Photo by Henry A. Barrios
An Amur leopard shows its teeth at the Exotic Feline Breeding Compound, in Rosamond.
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Four Seasons Hunting club, located in the Cummings Valley, offers 400 acres for pheasant, chukar and quail hunting and a five acre pond stocked with bass, blue gill and catfish. 25001 Banducci Rd., Tehachapi, CA 93561 (661) 831-8528 or visit www.fourseasonshuntingclub.com Additional information about shooting and hunting in the area is available at Southern Shooters Supply, 120 E. “F” St., Tehachapi (661) 823-1223.
Wind Farm The Tehachapi area is home to the largest wind resources area in California and spring is the best time to take a self guided tour. In as little as an hour you can see the evolution of the modern wind industry around Tehachapi, which has played an important role in making wind energy one of the fastest growing energy sectors in the world. You may also be treated to a colorful display of a variety of wild flowers from poppies to lupines. Among the highlights of the tour are the four historic wind turbines powering the city of Tehachapi’s water treatment plant. These Danish turbines were installed in the mid 1980’s and still generate power, and if you’re lucky you may see wild horses running free beneath the wind turbines.
Indian Point Ostrich Ranch Nestled in the Cummings Valley the working ostrich ranch is one of the largest ranches in the western United States. Established in 1992, the Indian Point Ostrich Ranch has been “wowing” visitors with its “Os trich-izing” tour for 18 years. They combine fun, education and entertainment in an invigorating environment where you get next to living dinosaur-like birds. The new Ostrich Bonding Experience gives you the unique chance to feed a bird that can grow to be 10 feet 92
Bakersfield Life
August 2011
tall and weigh more than 500 pounds. Visit their Web site for more information and visiting hours, which vary seasonally. They also have a wonderful ranch store with their own jerky, edible eggs, ostrich oil and lotions, jewelry, empty and decorated eggs. Located at the end of Giraudo Road in the Cummings Valley area of Tehachapi. For more information call (661) 822-9131 or visit www.indianpointranch.com.
Feline Conservation Center Exotic Feline Breeding Compound’s Feline Conservation Center, also known as the Cat House, is located in Rosamond, about 28 miles from Tehachapi (allow about an hour for the drive because of road conditions). Cat lovers of all ages who discover this desert zoo/wildlife museum are surprised and amazed at the variety of wild cat species found here. Open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. every day except Wednesday, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and the day of a special event, Feline Follies, held each August. Admission: $5 general, $4 seniors 60+, $3 ages 3-12, and under 3 free. 3718 60th St. West, Rosamond, Ca. Call (661) 256-3793 for voice, during operating hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thurs.-Tues.). For recorded directions and information call (661) 256-3332. Or visit www.cathouse-fcc.org.
Windswept Ranch Windswept Ranch, located just east of the Tehachapi wind farms, also owns alpacas, along with a variety of other exotic animals, including camels and reindeer. They offer petting zoos and other activities that are geared toward allowing children to experience the wonder of these gentle and friendly four-legged friends. The ranch is open Saturdays from March to October (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) with 5$ admission. Call (661) 809-3965 or visit www.windsweptranch.net for more information.