The Sierra in late spring is a wonderful place for birds, with meadows alive with Wilson’s Snipe, Yellow-headed Blackbirds and Wilson’s Phalaropes; the mountains buzzing with nesting woodpeckers (Black-backed, White-headed, Hairy, and Williamson’s and Red-breasted Sapsuckers), Mountain Chickadees, Cassin’s Finches, warblers and flycatchers (Dusky, Hammond’s, Gray and Olive-sided); and the calls of bittern, snipe and Sandhill Cranes carry through the night.  We’ll offer two classes.  All activities are in the Sierra, both classes are limited to 35 students.  Plan ahead!

Initial meeting place for both classes is the Yuba Pass parking lot on highway 49 between Sierraville and Bassetts.  Additional details will be provided upon registration.  For old hands at this class, the Sierra Valley Lodge has changed hands and room availability there is uncertain (we’ll update info on the GGBA webpage as it develops).  Students will be responsible for their own lodging reservations, but suggestions include

• Golden West Saloon Restaurant & Motel in Loyalton (530) 993-4467
• Canyon Ranch Resort in Sierraville (530) 994-1033
• Sierra Hot Springs Resort and Retreat in Sierraville (530) 994-3773
• Sierraville Motel & RV Park, Hwy 89 (530) 994-3751

Birds of the Sierra – I

Bob Lewis (Bob@wingbeats.org) and

Rusty Scalf (RScalf@sonic.net)

Thursday, June 10, 3 p.m. through Sunday, June 13 at noon.

Fee:  $99 for GGA members, $109 for non-members, including one unforgettable dinner at SF State’s campus in Bassetts on the 11^th.

Birds of the Sierra – II

Bob Lewis (Bob@wingbeats.org) and

Eddie Bartley (eddie@naturetrip.com )

Thursday, June 17, 3 p.m. through Sunday, June 20 at noon.

Fee:  $85 for GGA members, $95 for non-members, does not include any meals.…