Wildlife Festivals along the coast and upstream in coastal watersheds through October

Modoc Migratory Bird Festival, September 14, Modoc National Wildlife Refuge, Alturas; (530) 233-3572 or www.r1.fws.gov/modoc. This family-oriented event also has appeal for serious birders. See ducks, geese, sandhill cranes, pelicans, and other migratory species.

Oroville Salmon Festival, September 28, Feather River Nature Center and Feather River Fish Hatchery, Oroville; (800) 655-4653 or www.oroville-city.com/chamber. Through an underwater viewing window, watch salmon climb a fish ladder in their upstream migration. Tours and spawning demonstrations.

Shark Festival and Sanctuary Celebration, September 28, Santa Cruz Wharf, Santa Cruz; (831) 420-5273 or www.santacruzwharf.com. Learn about sharks from experts through presentations and exhibits.

Kokanee Salmon Festival, October 5–6, Taylor Creek Visitor Center, South Lake Tahoe; (530) 573-2674 or http://tahoe.ceres.ca.gov/usfs/taylor_creek.html. Includes a hike down Rainbow Trail to watch salmon spawning in Taylor Creek.

Lodi Salmon Festival, October 12, Lodi Lake, Lodi; (209) 333-6742 or www.lodi.gov. This celebration of the return of the salmon includes a Native American Powwow.

American River Salmon Festival, October 12–13, Nimbus Hatchery, Lake Natoma, American River Parkway, Rancho Cordova; (916) 361-8700 or www.salmonfestival.net. Boat, raft, canoe, and kayak tours; speakers, storytellers and skits; clinics, demonstrations, children’s activities.

Welcome Back Monarch Festival, October 13, Natural Bridges State Beach, Santa Cruz; (800) 423-4609 or www.santacruzca.org. Learn about the incredible monarch migration and the importance of this prime resting area.

Return of the Salmon Festival, October 20 at Anderson River Park, Anderson; (530) 225-2300 or krcrtv.com/return_of_the_salmon_festival.htm. Celebrate the return of Chinook salmon to spawn in Battle Creek. Salmon viewing, tours, programs, children’s activities.

Sandhill Crane Festival, November 8–11, Hutchins Street Square, Lodi; (209) 367-7840 or www.lodichamber.com. View the state’s largest concentration of greater sandhill cranes and more than 100 other bird species. Tours, workshops, exhibits, events for children.

The Watchable Wildlife, Inc. web site: www.watchablewildlife.org has a lot of useful information, including two brochures, “California Wildlife Festivals 2001–02” (see Wildlife News) and “A Guide to Ultimate Wildlife Watching” (see Publications) that can be downloaded as PDF files, or call (916) 440-0282 to request copies.