Birding Lake Tahoe

June 12 - 16, 2013
Destinations and Birds

Join Kirk Hardie, Audubon trip leader and Co-Executive Director of the Tahoe Institute for Natural Science, on an exciting excursion to Lake Tahoe and surrounding montane ecosystems.  Lake Tahoe is the largest alpine lake, and second deepest lake, in the United States.  Its crystal-blue waters reflect alpine peaks rising thousands of feet above the basin, creating spectacular views that have inspired generations of photographers.

We will explore far and wide through diverse habitats of pine forests and alpine ridges, mountain meadows and riparian zones, for Sierra Nevada specialties such as White-headed Woodpecker, Clark’s Nutcracker, Pine Grosbeak, and Williamson’s Sapsucker. Conditions permitting, we will search for the elusive Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch by riding the tram at the Squaw Valley ski resort, one of the most reliable locations in the Sierra Nevada. Other mountain specialties we will be on the lookout for are Mountain Quail, Sooty Grouse, and Northern Goshawk.

Searching riparian zones will provide the opportunity to see Bald Eagle, Willow Flycatcher, and MacGillivray’s Warbler, while meadows could bring sightings of Dusky Flycatcher, Calliope Hummingbird, and Cassin’s Finch. Possible sightings in pine forests and along alpine ridges are Nashville Warbler, Western Tanager, Lazuli Bunting, and Green-tailed Towhee.

We end the tour exploring the Sierra Valley to the north of the Tahoe Basin.  Over a thousand feet lower than Lake Tahoe; this expansive mountain valley cradles a large wetland system that connects with high desert habitats of grassland and sagebrush. Here we will search for breeding Sandhill Cranes, Short-eared Owls, and shorebirds that we won’t find in the Tahoe Basin.

This is a wonderful spring get-a-way to a beautiful part of the American West.  For more information or to register contact Steve Engel at 971-222-6119 or sengel@audubonportland.org 

TRIP DETAILS

Fee:  $895 members / $1,095 non-members

Deposit:  $400 required to secure your spot

Group size: 10

Leader: Kirk Hardie, Audubon Trip Leader and Co-Executive Director of the Tahoe Institute for Natural Science

What is included: All lodging, land transportation, park fees, guide fees, all meals except dinners, and the services of your leader(s).  Airfare to and from Reno is not included.