Rice farming, seasonal wetlands, permanent wetlands, grasslands and riparian forest combine to create 16,700 acres of fantastic wildlife habitat just a few minutes west of downtown Sacramento.
The Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area, located in a major flood control area, was dedicated by President Clinton in 1997 and is owned and managed by the California Department of Fish & Game. It is open to the public every day of the year except Christmas. Auto and hiking routes provide access to all habit types--a boon for birders, photographers, nature lovers and even waterfowl hunters and fishermen. The Yolo Basin Foundation implements the Discover the Flyway program for schools for over 4,000 students and parents every year. The Foundation also offers a variety of public tours, a speakers’ series, California Duck Days, and the summer Bat Talk and Walk programs.
As a photographer, I enjoy trips to the wildlife area, often taking family, friends or photo-buddies. The area is especially lively during the winter with all of the wintering waterfowl but it is delightful anytime of year. There is always something to see: waterfowl in the flooded rice fields, raptors and song birds among the trees, blackbirds (even yellow-headed blackbirds) among the reeds and cattails, dragonflies, half a million bats, reptiles, fish, etc.
Directions to the wildlife area, maps showing the driving routes, hiking routes and parking, and the many activities can be found at: YoloBasin.org.
Here are a few reasons why many of us like the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area:
Phil Robertson is a photographer and nature enthusiast from Lincoln. He provides travel, scenic and wildlife photos to private collectors, wildlife artists, various non-profits, environmental consulting companies, travel companies and local and regional publications and corporations.
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