Colusa National Wildlife Refuge
Home to the giant garter snake and palmate-bracted bird's-beak

NEW Colusa NWR is soliciting comments on a Draft Environmental Assessment (EA) to restore habitat.
The Draft EA below outlines 3 alternatives for restoring habitat on ~ 350 acres on the southeast corner of Colusa NWR. The document can be reviewed at the link below or a hard copy can be requested from the Sacramento NWR Complex main headquarters (530-934-2801). Comments will be received through June 21, and can be submitted via mail or email.
Draft EA for habitat restoration of T27 at Colusa NWR

 

A male Falcated Duck was identified at Colusa National Wildlife Refuge on December 2, 2012. This is most likely the same bird spotted here last year.This vagrant from Asia is sometimes seen in the Aleutian Islands of Alaska, but an extreme rarity for California. Since approximately December 24, the falcated duck has not been seen by refuge staff.

Birds seen in the USA are sometimes escapees from captivity but no determination has been made on this bird yet. This duck is in the teal family and is named for the male's long, falcated (sickle-shaped) tertials (wing feathers near the body) that overhang onto the tail.

Please read and adhere to all signs and regulations at the Refuge. Please park in designated parking spaces.

Wildlife: Thousands of waterfowl are present from September through March. Peak populations occur in December and January. Many birds and mammals can be seen year-round.

Habitat: 4,567 acres, including seasonal marsh, permanent ponds, and uplands.

Recreation: Enjoy wildlife viewing and photography as you drive the three-mile, graveled auto tour through wetlands. Walk a one-mile trail along a lush riparian slough. Relax and enjoy the scenery on the viewing platform. The Refuge is open one-hour before sunrise to one-hour after sunset year-round. On a separate area of the Refuge, waterfowl and pheasant hunting is permitted seasonally.

Directions: From Colusa, drive one-half mile west on Highway 20 to the Refuge entrance. From Williams, exit Interstate 5 on exit 578 for Highway 20 Clear Lake/Colusa turn east. Travel approximately six miles on Highway 20 to graveled Ohair Road. Travel south on graveled Ohair Road to Refuge entrance.