I just went today to the new trails–what a great park. Lots of sidewalk for the sedate bike crowd, and great hike-only riparian woodland trails. I did not see any kingfishers, though cardinal and tufted titmouse abounded, but the butterflies and insects were amazing.

I also found the nesting site of a pair of Belted Kingfishers along the Sacramento River. Unfortunately, it was on the other side of the river and I couldn’t get close enough to see much, other than watch as they flew in and out of the rather large hole in the bank.

Next spring I plan on taking my brothers canoe down the river to that spot. There were Northern Rough-winged Swallows nesting there, but the Belted Kingfisher burrow was a larger hole, easily spotted.

How cool to have a neighborhood nature preserve so close to your house! It looks like there would be many species of birds living there due to the varied habitats available to them. I am looking forward to many more posts on this park.

I love that first photo with its crest and tail up. Nice in flight shot too (I know how hard those are to capture)! Have fun out there.