On Saturday, July 19^th, members and friends of Watsonville Wetlands Watch gathered for a fun-filled afternoon, picnicking on a knoll at the Department of Fish and Game property that the Watch is restoring on Lee Road.

Thirty-two people attended and had a terrific time watching the cormorants, egrets, pelicans, and other birds from the telescopes mounted at the top of the knoll and with binoculars provided by the Watch.

The pot-luck food was good and plentiful. Kay Metz brought a homemade peach pie made with peaches from her own tree.

A special visitor was Bruce Delgado from the Chuck Haugen Conservancy, with two very tame gopher snakes. Bruce explained that any California snakes with pointed tails, like these two had, are harmless; the only harmful snake found in California is the rattlesnake, which has a broad tail with a “rattle” on the end.

We hope you can join us for next year’s picnic!

Looking down on the west branch of Struve Slough are
Jim Whittome and Bill Best; in front of them are Michelle
and Kirk Samis.