Join the Yolo Basin Foundation for Bird Banding at Conaway Ranch

The Yolo Basin Foundation, California Waterfowl Association (CWA) and Conaway Ranch will be offering a unique opportunity to participate in waterfowl banding on Sunday, August 5th, 8am to 11am. Conaway Ranch Wildlife Manager Mike Hall and CWA staff will lead participants on a tour of the ranch which has an extensive system of managed wetlands and utilizes wildlife friendly farming practices. Thanks to CWA, participants will also have an opportunity to help their biologists capture, band and record data on mallards and possibly redheads, ruddy ducks, cinnamon teal and wood ducks. For those who are bird enthusiasts, there will also be opportunities to observe shorebirds, White-faced Ibis, Yellow-headed Blackbirds, Black-crowned Night Herons and various raptors. The 17,000 acre Conaway Ranch is owned by the Conaway Preservation Group and is not open to the public except on guided trips. The trip will include driving on gravel roads with some short distance walking. Participants are encouraged to bring water, insect repellent, wildlife guide books, binoculars and wear shoes that can get muddy. Those who wish to wade out in the marsh to help with bird capture should wear high boots or waders. Space is limited to 20 people and reservations are required. Please email the Yolo Basin Foundation at sross@yolobasin.org for reservations. Directions will be provided when reservations are made. The Yolo Basin Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the appreciation and stewardship of wetlands and wildlife through education and innovative partnerships. It serves thousands of people annually with its education and conservation programs.