Pomona Valley Audubon -
Chaparral Naturalist Archives

To celebrate the beginning of fall, what better way than to observe the fall migration of the turkey vultures at The Turkey Vulture Festival in Kernville! That was our mindset as Shirley Harris and I set out on Friday, September 26, for Kernville. You could tell from the start, when we arrived at our motel that it would be a great weekend. The McCambridge Lodge Motel, overlooking the Kern River, was a wonderful choice. We could even hear the flow of the water from our balcony! We got directions to the Kern River Preserve and drove there in hopes of viewing the "fall in" of turkey vultures as they stop to roost in the forest.

Once at the preserve, we were able to see only about eight turkey vultures roosting in the nearby trees. We later learned that the numbers were "down" because of the rainy weather that had preceded our arrival. Apparently, great numbers of turkey vultures had been held back due to the rain.

On Saturday we had elected to take the half-day fall birding trip with Bob Barnes. Bob took us to many places, one of which was the Kern River Research Center where we observed Anna’s and rufous hummingbirds at the feeders. But what I found most impressive were the large numbers of red-winged black birds feeding there. While we were watching, they rose up in unison and flew away-- flashes of red revealing their shoulder epaulets.

We then drove to the Kern River Preserve to watch the turkey vultures "lift off," using the thermals to rise. They lift off in a fashion termed "kettling," as it resembles boiling water in a tea kettle-- the birds start to rise up, spiraling upwards in various directions. Due to the recent storm, we didn’t see the numbers of turkey vultures that we had hoped, but it was still inspiring to observe these birds use the thermals to migrate.

During the field trip, as Bob took us to different birding "hot spots," he shared with us some interesting facts about turkey vultures. For example, he showed us a newspaper article that mentioned that the Native American Indians viewed the turkey vulture as a symbol of health and cleansing. Bob also mentioned that turkey vultures have been used both by the military and utility companies, because of their ability to "sniff out" noxious gases.

We finished our birding trip, not only filled with these amazing facts, but also having seen lots of birds, including not only turkey vultures, but osprey, golden eagle, white-tailed kite, northern harrier, red-shouldered hawk, merlin, California quail, rock dove, greater roadrunner, Nuttall’s woodpecker, hairy woodpecker, northern flicker, western wood-pewee, black phoebe, western bluebird, white-breasted nuthatch, yellow-rumped warbler, lesser goldfinch and American goldfinch.

In the afternoon, we went to Circle Park where the different vendors had set up their booths along with the musicians. It was fun to listen to the Peruvian music being played, alternating with bluegrass music, as we strolled past the different booths. Afterwards we had a double dip ice cream cone and then went down to the Kern River’s edge where we sat for about an hour and watched kayakers tackle the white water of the river. Several people braved the white water in giant inner tubes.

That evening we attended the turkey vulture slide show at the Kernville Chamber of Commerce where we learned about turkey vulture natural history and

Sunday we drove to Sierra South Sports to get ready for our kayaking trip in the South Fork Wildlife Area, on Lake Isabella. I was amazed at the turnout; about 20 people had signed up. We drove to Lake Isabella in a van, hauling about 15 or so kayaks of various styles and sizes on a trailer behind the van. I, for one, had decided to opt for the kayak made for "wimps"-- the one made for two people that was more open. I didn’t like the idea of being fitted into the kayak, like a foot into a tight-fitting shoe!

Once at Lake Isabella, we were given a quick lesson on how to use the paddles, how to turn the kayak, and put it in reverse. We then each stood in front of the "kayak of our choice." Braver souls, like Shirley, took a single seater, while I chose the two seater.

Once we launched our kayaks, the lake was as smooth as glass, which was very comforting to me, a first-time kayaker and needing all the reassurance I could muster Accompanying us was an expert birder, named Murrilet, who, we had been told earlier, does "birding with humor." As we kayaked on Lake Isabella, she pointed out various birds, such as great blue herons and cormorants, making lots of funny comments to "lighten the mood"; however, I was too focused on what was going on with the kayak to concentrate on anything else!

After about two hours of kayaking, we hauled off onto land for about 30 minutes. During that time, we were treated to peanut butter bagels and cream cheese and juice to reinforce us. We were then privileged to observe Murrilet’s special skill of "birding with humor" in action.

She gave us a very unusual "bird identification" lesson on ravens and crows, wherein she sketched outlines of each species by using her foot to sketch the birds in the wet dirt! Someone suggested she use a stick to outline the birds.Murrilet’s reply, "That would be too easy" And when Shirley commented on how she felt ravens and crows were disgusting, Murrilet retorted, "I like their raucous ways and "pushy" lifestyle. To me, they’re "biker birds!" One thing is for sure, I will certainly remember her style!

After our unusual "bird ID" lesson, we got back in the kayaks and took another one and one-half hours to return to shore. In spite of my initial fears, it was a great experience and I highly recommend it! Once back on dry land, we then drove back to Kernville, changed into drier clothes --you get wet all over while kayaking --and then headed for home.

Even though we didn’t see the numbers of turkey vultures we were hoping for, we had lots of other "serendipitous extras" we weren’t expecting, such as our fantastic view from the motel and the kayaking experience, so that we certainly felt we got "our weekend’s worth!"

A long-time National Audubon member, Carolyn Boor has been an active member of Pomona Valley Audubon since 1988. She served on the board of PVAS for two years. Her two passions are animals and the environment, and she is currently inolved in educating the public on the humane treatment of pets. She is looking forward to kayaking again, possibly in a single seater this time.