Another open country gem, a drive along Meiss Road can produce winter raptors and a species mix similar to Scott Road. In spring and summer, this area has been fairly reliable for Lesser Nighthawks and Grasshopper Sparrows. Meiss Road typically has little traffic, and the eastern 3.3 miles are unpaved but passable in a passenger car. The road runs 7.7 miles from Dillard Road to Ione Road.
Mountain Bluebird, Image by Daniel Lee Brown
Birding the site: The open country is good for raptors and sparrows in winter. Horned Larks abound. In 2005-2008, three or more Common Nighthawks were regularly seen during spring and summer at dusk about three miles from Dillard Road. Lesser Nighthawks breed near the road and are often seen and heard making their trilling calls at dusk from multiple locations. The most reliable area for Grasshopper Sparrows has been around six miles from Dillard Road. They are often heard singing in the grasslands, and are sometimes seen sitting on the fence or up on the vegetation. eBird Sightings
Directions: From Sacramento, exit Highway 50 at Howe Avenue (5.3 miles east of Interstate 5) and head south to Folsom Boulevard. Turn left, then in 0.5 mile turn right on Jackson Highway (Highway 16). From Folsom Boulevard, it is 13.8 miles to Dillard Road. Turn right on Dillard Road, go 1.4 miles to Meiss Road and turn left. From the eastern end of Meiss Road, turning left, it is 4.0 miles north on Ione Road back to Jackson Highway (only 0.5 mile east of Michigan Bar Road).
Chris Conard