Heading to scenic Northern California to enjoy time away from the hustle of life is always a treat for travelers. If you happen to be someone making your way in this direction with a passion for wildlife, you’ll find the lush terrain here is packed with amazing creatures to spot! When you can’t wait to add some incredible wildlife viewing to your itinerary, the following information is great to keep in mind before you set off with binoculars in hand.
Before planning your trip to Northern California, download a copy of our free Vacation Guide to the Sierra Nevadas! It’s full of the best activities and hot spots in Calaveras County for the adventurer at heart.
Larger Animals You Might Spot While You’re Here
Northern California is home to a wide array of mammals that make wildlife viewing inspiring in every season of the year. It’s common to spot everything from mule deer and squirrels to black-tailed jackrabbits, beavers, red foxes, and North American porcupines along the mountain and forest trails and streams. Northern California also plays host to impressive animals like the coyote, bobcat, gray fox, and black bear.
Birding at its Best
Across Calaveras County in Northern California, visitors will find habitats and ecosystems ranging from 200 feet all the way up to 7,000 feet. This makes for a prime place for birds of many species to thrive whether they stay year-round or migrate through. In total, it’s estimated that Calaveras County has over 250 species of birds to its name annually. Up in the mountains, it’s typical for birding enthusiasts to find they can encounter everything from the American dipper and brown creeper to white-headed woodpeckers too. The Western scrub jay lives at higher elevations in the region while destinations like California wineries in lower elevations play host to the cedar waxwing and California towhee too.
Local Habitats, Plants, and Ecosystems to Discover
The rich and diverse habitats, ecosystems, and plant life found across Northern California result in diverse wildlife communities to discover. Across Calaveras County alone, habitats like coniferous forests, grasslands, riparian woodlands, seasonal wetlands, and montane hardwood habitats are present. If you were to spend a day exclusively at destinations like Calaveras Big Trees State Park, you would be treated to opportunities to admire trees and plants like the Giant Sequoia, Pacific dogwood, red baneberry, Pacific yew, corn lily, American trail plant, sugar pine, woodland strawberry, and beyond.
Wildlife Viewing Best Practices
Before you head out on a wildlife viewing adventure, it’s essential to have an understanding of best practices in place. Take a moment to check special events at state parks and forests like seasonal hunting or special events. Above all, it’s important to be a good steward of the land and the surrounding wildlife. This means always observing wildlife from a safe distance and giving animals plenty of space to live and roam comfortably. Having binoculars or a zoom lens handy is the best way to observe larger animals like bobcats and bears in addition to rare birds. Those who participate in wildlife viewing in Northern California should always refrain from feeding wild animals in the name of safety for themselves and for the health of all local creatures. Pets should remain behind during a wildlife viewing outing, and if you bring snacks or water bottles along, be sure to pack it all out no matter where you roam so you only leave footprints behind.
Book Your Getaway to Northern California Today
Elevate your Northern California stay in luxury and style when you book your accommodations at Courtwood Inn the next time travel plans bring you to Murphys. Reach out today to learn more and to begin planning your next adventure.
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