With so much open space, forest, and water around, you can’t help but run across some of Plumas County’s wild creatures. Viewing wildlife in their natural habitat is one of the area’s best (and free) attractions. Deer, bald eagles, sandhill cranes, and waterfowl are among the most popular and easy species to observe.
Each of the county’s larger lakes is home to at least one breeding pair of bald eagles. Lake Almanor hosts the largest population of wintering eagles and osprey.
Mule and black-tailed deer are easy to spot throughout the county in fields, hillsides, and in oak woodlands near Quincy, Taylorsville, and Genesee Valley. Black bear sightings are fairly common too on forested trails and in Lassen Volcanic National Park.
Photo by Jake Edwards/Scenescapery
Photo by Jake Edwards/Scenescapery
Photo by Jake Edwards/Scenescapery
Photo by Norm Williams
Photo by Michael Beatley
Wildlife Viewing Sites
The Antelope Lake-Indian Creek Wildlife Viewing Site, with its surrounding wet meadowlands, is an excellent place to see migratory waterfowl from April through November. Birds of prey and beaver can be seen year-round.
The Lake Davis Wildlife Viewing Site, also bordered by meadows and pines, offers nesting for Canada geese, tundra swans, pelicans, bald eagles, and ospreys, with the best viewing in spring and fall. Deer and bats are also common.
In the eastern part of the county, Sierra Valley is a wildlife and birding hotspot with big wetlands and sagebrush range. While most of the valley is private ranch land, visit the Sierra Valley Preserve, with short nature trails, interpretive signs, and amazing views for family-friendly strolls.
Creatures that are easily seen are coyotes, raccoons, squirrels, chipmunks, and skunks. Occasionally bobcats, ringtail cats, and mountain lions are spotted, but trained observers can find their tracks more easily. Use a pair of binoculars to extend your view, maintain a safe distance, move quietly, and always respect wildlife–this is their home.
Photo by Vanessa Vasquez
Photo by Jake Edwards
Biodiversity in the Feather River Watershed
Plumas County is home to the The Feather River watershed. This large watershed spans from granite alpine ecosystems at 10,000’ to arid and rocky foothill canyons at 2,000’ in elevation. With varied landscapes from fens to forests to near desert-like serpentine and volcanic soils, there are many types of life that thrive in these different environments. What does all this mean? The Feather River Watershed is a biodiversity hotspot! Thousands of native plants, abundant wildlife, and some of the biggest bird populations in the Sierra call the Feather River Watershed home. Read our Blog “For the Love of the Feather River” to learn more about this spectacular watershed.
Photo by Vanessa Vasquez
Photo by Beckey Delmonico-Smith
by Vanessa Vasquez
