Description

East Park Reservoir managed by the Bureau of Reclamation was authorized in 1907 by Congress as a storage facility to provide irrigation waters, under the Orland Project. Channel catfish, largemouth and smallmouth bass, bluegill and rainbow trout occupy the reservoir. Common mammals are wild pigs, coyotes, blacktail deer, tule elk, ground squirrels and black-tailed jackrabbits. Canada geese, bald eagles, a wide variety of ducks and bird species, and the special status tri-colored blackbird can be seen around the reservoir. The American Bird Conservancy (ABC) has recognized East Park for its significance in the ongoing effort to conserve wild birds and their habitats, and has designated East Park Reservoir as a Globally Important Bird Area. The tricolored Blackbird is abundant at the reservoir, with three breeding colonies found around the reservoir. The area around East Park Reservoir is one of the best sites in the state to observe this declining species. The California endemic Yellow-billed Magpie also breeds at the reservoir and the watch-listed Oak Titmouse is quite common in the riparian and blue oak habitats. Lawrence's Goldfinch has also been confirmed as a breeding species. While the goldfinch is rarely seen at East Park in the spring, it has been sighted on occasion during the summer months. Nuttall's Woodpecker is common and conspicuous in the reservoir's riparian habitats.