October is an exciting month for birding in the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area as fall migration brings a wonderful variety of species to the area and recently harvested rice fields offer rich feeding grounds.

Waterfowl such as Northern Pintails, Canada and Greater White-Fronted Geese, and Northern Shovelers are arriving to the Wildlife Area. Some will stay for the winter while others will stop by to rest and feed before continuing farther on their southbound migration. The harvesting of wild rice crops provides abundant feeding opportunities for many species. Rice grains left behind attract blackbirds and waterfowl while herons and egrets stalk prey such as crawdads, fish, and small mammals in the shallowly flooded fields.

Both Snowy and Great Egrets can be seen from afar as their tall white bodies with long slender necks stand out against the landscape. Great Egrets (Ardea alba), the taller of the two species at around three feet, have yellow bills, and long black legs. Standing about two feet tall, Snowy Egrets (Egretta thula) have black bills, black legs, and yellow feet. From a distance, height can be hard to judge, however their color patterns can be used for identification.

Participants should bring water bottles (there is no potable water on site) and binoculars, if desired. This tour is family friendly, and docents will have spotting scopes to enhance wildlife viewing. This is a driving tour on gravel roads with several stops and optional, short walks.

Yolo Basin Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding public appreciation and stewardship of wetlands and wildlife in the Yolo Basin through education and innovative partnerships. The Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area is owned and managed by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Snowy Egret photo by Maryellen Bauer.