Photo by David Hargus
Just because the thermometer has dropped doesn’t mean that you can’t get out and enjoy wildlife. In fact, visiting locations in the foothills is one way to see wildlife and winter can be a great time to do it.
Winter can be a time when outdoor activities give way to snuggling by the fire with a hot cocoa and a good book, but that does not always have to be the case. There are many great places to go look for wildlife in the foothills that are just a short drive and well worth the effort.
New Melones Reservoir offers hiking and biking trails that are often warm and sunny even in winter months. The Bald Eagle is one example of what you may find there. These impressive birds, which came perilously close to extinction, nest near lakes and reservoirs throughout the valley and foothills of California.
Red Hills are also a good location to go. The Red Hills Roach is an excellent example of rare wildlife that you may find if you look closely in the shallow streams that meander through the serpentine hills. You will only see the Red Hills Roach here!! Because they are isolated, they have evolved to be able to withstand the heavy metal water of the serpentine soils, and they exist only here. This makes them very special so only take pictures, and don’t touch! Away from the water, in the terrestrial habitat, you may get to see a horned lizard sunning on a warm rock.
So choose a sunny day and plan your next outing. You will always find getting out and exploring nature rewarding no matter what season it is.
For more information on these places check out the links below. Do not wait for warmer weather. Winter is a good time to enjoy lower elevation activities while the summer heat is taking a break.
Red Hills ACEC, Photo by Megan Fiske
New Melones Hiking and Biking Trails
For more ideas check out CSERC’s Scenic Destinations page!
-Michelle, CSERC Blogger