Bear River Ridge

Bear River Ridge

This event meets at the parking area on the north end of Fernbridge, near the Pape Machinery tractor supply store. In October raptor migration is in full effect. Tour the unique coastal prairie ecosystem that harbors numerous raptor species, Western Bluebirds, and Horned Lark, the only location where the latter species breeds in Northwestern California!  The site is part of the Cape Mendocino Grasslands Important Bird Area recognized by the Audubon Society, while also proposed for an industrial-scale wind energy project. Rough-legged and Red-tailed Hawks should be moving through or returning to their wintering haunts here and this is the best place to see resident Golden Eagles nearest to Humboldt Bay. Past trips have even seen Pacific and Common Loons migrating over the ridge! This is also an excellent location to see mammals like Bobcat and Black-tailed Deer. Bring a lunch, snacks and water.

An optional visit to the Monument Mountain Vineyards wine tasting room near Rio Dell could round out the day!

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