CLEARLAKE, Calif. – Since wilderness is our middle name here in Lake County, we are always privy to wildlife viewings such as elk, bear, bobcat, fox and more, as well as unforgettable bird watching opportunities at every turn.

At the city of Clearlake's Redbud Park the morning's magnificent stillness presents mirror images of hills and trees – quite a different show than that of most afternoons on the lake, when winds kick up and create whitecaps across its surface.

Redbud Park is a perfect spot for a picnic or to launch your boat. Fishing at Redbud may net you some catfish, bluegill or crappie. There are restrooms available, water and plenty of parking.

By visiting one of our county's 29 parks you are practically guaranteed an outstanding bird-watching experience.

There are more than 300 bird species which can be viewed on Clear Lake, which is located on the Pacific Flyway, a migratory passage which spans from South America to Alaska. White egrets, green herons, great blue herons, cormorants, Western and Clark's grebes may be seen upon the lake diving for fish and nesting material.

You may spot the brilliant pigments contained in a wood duck's feathers, or happen upon the prehistoric-looking American white pelicans as they patrol the lake. Our “lake eternal” shimmers with vitality, and each day is alive with something new to the eye.

Redbud Park's namesake, the redbud tree was a key plant for use in basket-making in Lake County's native cultures for centuries.

Many other American Indian groups also used this unique plant for their baskets, as well. Then, they harvested the branches in spring or summer. The branches were split, then cleaned and put to use in both the warp and weft of the coiled or twined baskets.

Make it a point to visit one of our county parks, such as Redbud Park. Then, you can boast that you toured the oldest lake in North America at half a million years, and if those bragging rights were not sufficient, our lake is the largest natural freshwater lake located entirely in the state, with close to 70 square miles of surface area.

Kathleen Scavone, M.A., is a retired educator, potter, freelance writer and author of “Anderson Marsh State Historic Park: A Walking History, Prehistory, Flora, and Fauna Tour of a California State Park” and “Native Americans of Lake County.”