BIRDING

By Jon Aull

Butte County is extraordinarily rich in bird diversity, with over 300 resident and migratory species. While each season has its highlights, fall is my favorite time for birds: the nights cool, migrating birds return from their mountain breeding habitats, and leaves dropping from the trees makes it easier to spot birds in their lofty perches. Here are three of my favorite spots for fall birding among the fall colors.

Colby Meadows

Beginning in October head up to the higher elevations of Colby Meadows, about an hour’s drive from Chico just past Butte Meadows. The West Branch of Butte Creek there is lined with black oaks and big-leaf maples turning vibrant reds and yellows. Along the creek, you can find the American dipper doing squats in rushing water, and you might be lucky enough to see it dip under water to catch aquatic insects or fish eggs. At the Colby Meadows/Jonesville Snow Park, follow the sound of running water to the trail and the meadow, where the black cottonwoods can be a brilliant yellow. Some of the birds here will stay through the harsh winter, while others will be moving down below the snowline soon. Look out for the inquisitive mountain chickadees, raucous Steller’s jays, elegant evening grosbeaks, the dashing whiteheaded woodpeckers, and more.

Upper Bidwell Park

In Upper Bidwell Park, more than 160 species of birds have been recorded, and the Yahi Trail along Big Chico Creek particularly dazzles. Starting just downhill from the parking lot at Horseshoe Lake, the 4-mile (one-way)

Yahi Trail runs along Big Chico Creek, a major thoroughfare for the downslope fall bird migration. While there are plenty of year-round avian residents, in fall we welcome back our “snowbirds” that are migrating toward more available food and water sources, such as: white and golden-crowned sparrows, darkeyed juncos, the tiny hyperactive ruby-crowned kinglets with their distinctive eye rings and mostly hidden red crest, impeccably coiffed cedar waxwings, and yellow-rumped warblers, the least shy of the warblers. Fall colors start with the spectacular poison oak, which starts to turn in late summer in dry spots, an example of a drought-deciduous plant. Although our native California plants are not well known for their fall color, California grapes and western redbud can definitely add a bit of ambience to autumn ambling.

Chico Seed Orchard

One of the best autumn scenes in Chico is at the end of Cramer Lane, where you’ll find the entrance to the Mendocino National Forest Genetic Resource and Conservation Center. Mercifully renamed the Chico Seed Orchard, there you can see a great variety of exotic trees, such as kiwis and edible pistachios. The center started as a research facility for experimental introductions but today mainly grows conifer seeds for wildfire recovery and watershed restoration.

Perhaps because of the odd mix of trees, the birding here can be quite productive, and rarities tend to show up here. Red crossbills took up an extended residence a few years ago. In September 2020, there was a summer tanager here and a long-eared owl made a brief appearance just outside the gates in October 2020. The birdlife here is similar to Bidwell Park. Other common sights are: one of the largest congregations of robins in Chico, brown creepers, golden crowned kinglets, and varied thrushes. The center has regular visitor hours and a locking gate.

So get out and enjoy the season. There’s no better time to fall for Butte County birds.

Jon Aull has a master's in parks and natural resources from Chico State and has worked in environmental education in Chico for 15 years.

Trip Tips

Seasoned birders know that anyone can get into this easy activity, and that it’s a great way to explore places you’ve never been! Here are a few tips to get you started:

1. Wear comfortable walking shoes, bring binoculars, and download a birding app.

2. Dress for the elements and the season.

3. Respect the habitat and minimize your footprint so that everyone can enjoy the space.