Red-shouldered hawks live in Clear Lake State Park all year long. Photo by Brad Barnwell.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Join naturalist Brad Barnwell on Saturday, Sept. 4, for an 8 a.m. walk in Clear Lake State Park, 5300 Soda Bay Road, Kelseyville.

Walkers should meet at the visitor center ramp. There is no entrance fee to the park for participating in walks. All ages are welcome.

Binoculars and a pocket bird book always add to the experience. An early walk brings about the best observations.

Some young birds are still begging parents for food while others are preparing for migration. Baby California Quail are abundant in the park. Bluebird families are checking for insects and berries. In some species, immature birds have not yet developed full adult plumage and down may still appear among their feathers.

Some birds, such as bushtits that pair for parenting, are back in loose flocks and move from tree to tree foraging for insects and spiders. Sometimes their presence can be detected by hearing their soft twitter prior to actually seeing them.

There is always something new and exciting to report from each walk.

Beginning Sept. 11 the visitor center museum and gift shop will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. only on Saturday. Volunteers maintain this schedule.

If interested in volunteering in the visitor center or as a walk leader, please leave your name and contact information for Val Nixon at 707-279-2267.

Visit www.clearlakestatepark.org for great photos, activity schedule and park information provided by Clear Lake State Park Interpretive Association.