203 Birding McGee Canyon
high elevation > 8,000'
single location
McGee is a spectacular, colorful, metamorphic canyon with a strong creek running through it. The hike begins at about 8,000 feet in sagebrush where Brewer's Sparrow and Green-tailed Towhee are common. Lazuli Buntings are common in the streamside aspens. After a short climb, the trail passes water birch and aspen with side streams where birds (e.g., MacGillivray's, Orange-crowned, Wilson's and Yellow Warblers) and butterflies gather. The trail gradually climbs up into junipers and limber pines with Clark's Nutcracker, Hermit Thrush and Townsend's Solitaire. Dippers are frequently seen on the creek. After a tricky creek crossing, the trail winds through hemlock and lodgepole to a shallow beaver pond. The hike is moderate with some stream crossings and a great variety of birds and plants. Bring a lunch. (est. driving miles: 80; hiking difficulty: strenuous)
Details
Fee: $0.00
Transportation Type: Carpool/Personal Vehicle
Trip Type: Field Trip
Day: Friday
Start Time: 6:00 AM
End Time: 1:00 PM
Meeting Venue Location
296 Mattly Ave
Lee Vining CA 93541
Venue Location
296 Mattly Ave
Lee Vining CA 93541