Oxbow Waterfowl Area
Map SatelliteThis section of the Sacramento River from Chico Landing to a point some 3 kilometers (2 miles) above Ord Ferry is an excellent example of a mature river flood plain. The river, which drops less than 1.5 meters (5 feet) in elevation in the 8-kilometer (5-mile) run in this area, makes several meanders. Additionally, there are cut-off meanders and oxbow lakes.
Vegetation in the major part of the area is riparian, with willows, Salix spp., cottonwood, Populus fremontii, and sycamore, Platanus racemosa. In the drier area, mule fat, Baccharis salicifolia, is common.
There are several freshwater marshes with cattail, Typha sp., and tule, Scirpus sp.
The area is particularly rich in animal life and includes a heron rookery. A large number of migratory waterfowl are found here during the season, including wood duck, Aix sponsa. The rare yellow-billed cuckoo, Coccyzus americanus occidentalis, may be observed here.
Integrity: Most of the area is relatively undisturbed, though agricultural lands are encroaching. It has been proposed as a wildfowl refuge.
Use: Research, educational, observational. Mostly private.
August 1977
Inventory of California Natural Areas
Revision © 2009 Steven Louis Hartman