California DFG to Offer Winter Swan Tours in Sacramento Valley

The Department of Fish and Game (DFG) is offering swan tours near Marysville Nov. 3, 2012 through Feb. 2, 2013. Co-hosted by local rice farmers, the tours will focus on tundra swans in one of the premier locations for viewing swans in California.

Novice birdwatchers should enjoy the naturalist-led tours. Binoculars will be available.

Ducks, geese, shorebirds, herons, egrets and raptors, including bald eagles, are also commonly seen in this area, which contains 23,000 acres of rice fields and restored wetland habitat.

Tours will be held on Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. The driving tours involve walking a short distance.

Pre-registration is required at www.dfg.ca.gov/regions/2/SwanTours. Up to 30 people may register for each tour. The tours are free, but registrants may make a donation online to the California Wildlife Foundation to support this program.

The swan tours are part of DFG’s wildlife viewing services program, which includes similar outdoors opportunities at Gray Lodge Wildlife Area, Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area, Isenberg Crane Reserve and North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve.

For more information, please call (916) 358-2852.

California Department of Fish and Wildlife

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is a department within the government of California, falling under its parent California Natural Resources Agency. The Department of Fish and Wildlife manages and protects the state's diverse fish, wildlife, plant resources, and native habitats. The department is also responsible for the diversified use of fish and wildlife including recreational, commercial, scientific and educational uses. The department also utilizes its law enforcement division to prevent and stop illegal poaching.