Birding at the Ruth Mckenzie Preserve

20 Feb Birding at the Ruth Mckenzie Preserve

Birding at the Ruth Mckenzie Preserve

Registration is required for this event.

 Registration link

MCKENZIE PRESERVE BIRDING

HIKE DATE: April 24, 2024

HIKE START: Please arrive by 7:15AM  for a 7:30AM start.

HIKE END: 12:30

NOTE: The Preserve is closed to the public and the entrance gate will be locked during the outing. Therefore, late arrivals will not be able to join the hike and early departure will not be possible except in case of emergency.

Join John McDaniel and Gary Woods of Fresno Audubon Society (FAS) for birding on the McKenzie Preserve to observe resident and migrant foothill birds. Please arrive no later than 7:15 so the walk can proceed from the parking lot by the corrals at 7:30am. This is a relatively easy walk of about 2 miles from the corrals to the waterfall/spring and back.  FAS will provide binoculars if you need them, and a spotting scope will also be available.  

McKenzie Preserve is the best chance for you to see a Gray Flycatcher out of all the SFC preserves in Fresno County and they mostly come through the foothills in migration between April 20-30. Bring a hat, sunscreen, water, binoculars (if you have them), bird guide and snacks/lunch.

Directions to the Ruth McKenzie Table Mountain Preserve
From Fresno, take Freeway 41 north. Exit at Friant Road and turn right at the bottom of the off-ramp. Take Friant Road to the town of Friant. You will see Friant Dam ahead of you. Follow Friant Road uphill, past the dam. At this point, Friant Road bends to the right and changes its name to Millerton Road. Stay on Millerton Road for 5 or 6 miles until you come to a stop sign at Auberry Road.

At Auberry Road you will see a gas station on your left. Using the gas station as your benchmark, note your mileage and turn left. Go slightly over 3 miles on Auberry Road. You will see some table mountain formations ahead. When you reach the 3 mile mark, slow down and turn left onto the preserve property.

The entrance to the preserve is on the left, where you will see a large corral and a gate. Drive in at the gate and park in the parking area.