You know it is amazing how powerful our upbringing is on our life. My incredible parents and my two beautiful sisters had such a profound affect on my life and because of it I know how I want to treat my husband and my children. You see they never put me down, they never told me to calm down when I got super excited about silly things, and they never told me I was embarrassing them when I laughed my extremely loud laugh. Growing up I steered away from those that looked down on me or put me down. I also learned that no one should ever be put down or be made fun of. I love going hunting with my husband and son and during one of our recent trips (pictures and video below) I got excited when I saw cattail. I started to pull apart the cattail so that the seeds could blow freely but the wind blew the seeds into my mouth and face. My sweet husband said I looked beautiful and the three of us laughed so hard.
Remember that we don’t have to be a perfect friend, spouse, parent, or person. None of us are but we can treat others with love and respect. Has someone had a profound affect on your life? Who was it and what did you learn?
Migration is the route many species practice and revolves around winter and summer. During the summer they travel to cold destinations and during the winter they fly back to warmth. They also travel for breeding grounds and feeding grounds.
Woodbridge Ecological Reserve
Woodbridge Ecological Reserve is a beautiful location dedicated to Sandhill Cranes. In 1983 these cranes were a endangered species and have increased largely in population since then. They are the most commonly seen species of cranes in North America. They migrate from Mexico, Cuba, and Siberia to California, Texas, or Utah. They migrate here September to October and leave for home April to May. And the outskirts of Lodi is a great place to find them at the right time of year.
Cosumnes River Preserve
This is truly a beautiful preserve with many different species of bird and one of them happens to be a northern shoveler which travels to California in the summer. They live in open wetland such as grasslands or marshes. They live all around the world which makes them a common duck to many. They prefer to be away from open water and is a fairly quiet species of duck. They are well known for their long bill and they are far from endangered.
Stone Lakes National Wildlife Refuge
Canada Geese stop at this wonderful refuge annually. Canada Geese are native to the Arctic and North America. They often are near populated areas and because of this are considered a “Pest Species”. Canada Geese are released all around the world causing dozen of different migration routines. They are mostly herbivores but eat fish and insects.
Honey Lake Wildlife Area
This wonderful wildlife area near Susanville California is a destination for many migratory ducks and geese. And this includes a species known as Ross Geese. Which is the smallest white arctic and migrates from Canada to California Central Valley. During the hunting seasons hunters can hunt ducks and geese. However, when it is not hunting season migrating birds love these wetlands. You can see birds nesting here.
Lower Biscar Wildlife Area
Every year when we visit my in-laws I never miss an opportunity to go hunting with my husband at Biscar Wildlife Area. There is hardly anyone here. I love to see the season change. It is absolutely breathtaking and I love the colors throughout the season. Even if your not into hunting you can easily do a five mile hike around both of these lakes and do plenty of bird watching. You will want to arrive early as birds are most active during sunrise.
Hands on Learning
After observing ducks we were surprised that ducks were able to stand on ice and have their feet in cold water without seeming to mind the cold. We learned that they were able to tolerate cold and hot water because ducks have a counter-current heat exchange system. When we are cold and we hug someone who is warm our body becomes warmer. In a way that is how counter-current exchange works. The artery is warm and the blood flow goes down into the foot. The vein (venous blood) is cooler and it goes up to the ducks body. Since the artery is in close contact with the vein the blood will become cooler as it gets to the foot so there isn’t much difference between the foot and the ice and because of this when the duck foot touches the snow the heat loss with be very little and that is why they are able to stand on cold without worrying about frost bite. Pretty cool, right?
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Twinspirational
What a fun post. We’ve never gone hunting before, but this makes us want to give it a try.
kumamonjeng
Wow, first time visit your blog and was amazed at the 4 children but still a very great figure. How do you do that? The birds watching part was so cool and seeing them migrate from one place to another. I have a great peep at your life and really enjoy the environment and lifestyle which is totally different from mine and where I live.
Akim R.
I admire the way you take care of your kids and at the same time the way you help them learn. What at an amazing mom!
Letty
Upbringing is very powerful and I agree. The way we have lived before can truly affect the way we act right now. You have a beautiful family!
Eli
My family has affected the way I am today. They’ve shown me the real meaning of respect and love. I am so happy to have them. Your family is an inspiration too!
Ats C.
Here’s another proof that all creatures are unique. These migrating birds are so intelligent.. they know how to find ways for them to live.
Kris
Never had the chance to see migrating birds in person. Thank you for sharing this. I know you’ve had a wonderful experience.
Evelyn, Path of Presence
What a fun (and educational) adventure for all. I love finding wild life sanctuaries. Not only do we get to see a way of life that is DRASTICALLY different than our own, we get to be part fo the sacred, knowing that we share this earth with other life forms. Blessings on your beautiful momma ~ Look forward to reading more of it!! xo Evelyn,
Elizabeth O
What a unique and incredible experience to share. It was really interesting to learn about ducks and their counter-current heat exchange system!
Gail M Akeman
No family is perfect. Love the birds and great pics.
Holly Lasha
How interesting. It’s little things like this that I often look past that always amaze me.
Emma @ Muddy Boots and Diamonds
That photo of the crane spreading its wings is lovely! The Woodbridge Ecological Reserve looks like an amazing place to visit. Thank you for sharing 🙂
Jennifer | https://maunelegacy.com
Very interesting post! I learned a lot! Love your pictures too!
Arushi
These pictures are so beautiful! I am sure my husband will love to visit here. I have seen migrating birds back in India
Erica Ardali
I love birds. My Favorite are birds of prey but seeing these flocks would make me very happy too. It must’ve been a nice experience.
Joanna Clute
What beautiful places to visit, even if birds weren’t involved. Although the birds add the perfect touch. Great info about the birds as well!
Julie
Sounds like you had some great moments with your family. Plus a great time for your kids to learn more about reserves and birds migrating.
Kays
It is my dream to witness migrating birds in person. I want to learn more about them!
Gabryl Ley
I’ve heard a lot of great things about this place.. I wish I could go there soon!
Xamri
Hands on learning is very important for kids. I admire you, great parents!