Staten Island and Consumnes River Preserve (Isleton)

The Nature Conservancy manages the farmlands on Staten Island for the wintering Sandhill Cranes. The flooded fields have a variety of shorebirds, waterbirds and raptors. Tundra Swans are also likely. Cosumnes has a great variety of wintering ducks and is a fairly reliable place for Wilson’s Snipe.

The Staten Island part of the trip is a drive and stop adventure, with the last part of the road mostly well-graded but not paved. At Cosumnes, we will be on wide, paved trails, with a segment of boardwalk. Everything is on the level, with no ups and downs. Bring snacks, lunch, water, layers for cold, cloudy and rainy weather, and sun protection in case the day is fair and warm. “Walkie talkie” hand-held radios will be helpful on Staten Island. Scopes are welcome and appreciated. The trip is limited to 20 participants to ensure a great experience.

Leader: Maureen Lahiff, MLahiff@aol.com, (510) 484-6529 

This trip is free but advance registration is required. Registration will open two weeks before the trip and close at 4 p.m. on January 6.  Directions for registered participants are below.

Please note the public health guidelines for this trip, as we emerge from the Covid-19 pandemic:

• Walk is limited to 20 participants plus the leaders. There will not be a waiting list.

• Participants must register online and acknowledge acceptance of our liability waiver. Each person must register separately. No “drop ins,” please.

Thank you for your flexibility in helping us ensure that everyone remains healthy! Because we have to limit the size of trips, please do not sign up unless you are committed to attending.

Directions: It’s about 2 hours from Oakland and Berkeley to these Central Valley sites. Maureen will email fuller directions to those who register for the trip. Staten Island near the intersection of W Walnut Grove Road and Staten Island Road at the sign board. 

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/CVjX3R5bu3s