LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The 20th annual Heron Days, presented by the Redbud Audubon Society made it possible for more than 200 people to enjoy the fascinating wildlife and beautiful scenery of Clear Lake.

Pontoon boats, driven and donated by licensed volunteers left from Lakeside County Park on Saturday, May 2, and from Redbud Park on Sunday, May 3.

“Reports of participants from both days of the event were exciting and it was obvious everyone had a great time,” noted Redbud Audubon Society President Roberta Lyons. “On our boat going down Cache Creek, we saw a Great Blue Heron catch a small bass, turn it around in its bill and swallow it whole!”

There were reportedly thousands of Western and Clark’s Grebes on the north end of the lake, doing their rushing dances across the water as well as their head-bobbing mating approaches.

People came from as far away as Dixon, but many local Lake County folks took advantage of the opportunity to enjoy an hour and a half boat ride on Clear Lake, or down Cache Creek to view great blue heron nesting areas, numerous waterfowl, songbirds, osprey, otters, turtles and more.

The Redbud Audubon Society is a local, nonprofit organization associated with the National Audubon Society. 

The group presents programs on the third Thursday of the month September through April, sponsors field trips, and is active in conservation issues involving Lake County and Clear Lake.

If you are interested in birdwatching and conservation issues you are welcome to join. Current information on programs and meetings for the 2015-16 Audubon season, which starts in September, will be available soon.

Many thanks to the numerous volunteers who made this event possible, including boat drivers and captains, bird guides, and check-in staff.

Thanks also to Gene Renner, Tire Pros of Clearlake for his sponsorship donation, to Charlotte and Roy Disney at Disney Water Sports in Lakeport for loaning the use of a pontoon boat for Saturday’s tours, and to Bernie and Lynne Butcher of the Tallman Hotel and Blue Wing Saloon Restaurant for donating gift cards.

Go to www.redbudaudubon.org for information, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or “like” the group on Facebook.