News.bytes Extra, issue 366

Crowds view birds at Cosumnes River Preserve

An overflow crowd turned out to see sandhill cranes and other birds at the Cosumnes River Preserve as part of the annual Galt Winter Bird Festival last weekend. (text continues below)

Barbara Williams, volunteer coordinator with BLM-California's Folsom Field Office stands by to help a visitor spot birds through a telescope

Festival tour organizers added buses to accomodate members of the public, said Mark Ackerman, BLM biologist at the preserve.

In addition to tours at the preserve, the bird festival included tours of other areas, presentations and a children's art contest.

This annual event is geared toward advancing public awareness and conservation of regional wildlife.  Sandhill Cranes, Canada Geese, Tundra Swans, Pintails, and hundreds of other birds live in around Galt and other surrounding cities.

Galt's Winter Bird Festival offers everyone a chance to spend time discovering and learning about the importance of these feathered creatures as well as the wetlands, agriculture and open space that is crucial to their survival.

Above and below:Cranes jockey for position, as cattle graze in the background

Sunset over the waters of the Cosumnes River Preserve

- David Christy, 1/21/09
- Photos by Barbara Williams and David Christy

BLM-California News.bytes, issue 366