A red-shouldered hawk delivers nesting material to its partner.

CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - In a sold-out event, almost 100 nature-lovers took to rain-puddled trails at the Effie Yeaw Nature Center last weekend.

Attendees at the annual Bird and Breakfast event rejoiced in a shower-free day to boost the nonprofit organization's fundraising.

Sacramento Audubon experts led small groups throughout the Effie Yeaw Nature Center's 100-acre preserve. On river trails, aquatic species were numerous. Inland, warblers, woodpeckers, wrens, finches and phoebes abounded. All were busy with nest-building and egg production. Courtship rituals were observed. Overhead, red-shouldered hawks circled in euphoric appreciation of spring’s joys. The couple alternated its frolicks with leaf-gathering for a nearby nest.

On safari at the Effie Yeaw Nature Center preserve, supporters get an eyeful of avian nursery-making.

“It’s great to see hawks going about their business,” said an observer. “Because they’re large, they’re more easily viewed. We tend to think of raptors as ruthless birds of prey. Yet they’re as committed to their families as anyone. These birding safaris show us what we have in common with wildlife and how important it is to preserve the environment we share.”

Trail-side scopes allowed vignettes of smaller birds at work. Starling, bushtit and nuthatch pairs were busily nursery-making.

“Scopes help people who aren’t practiced at birding to see nests without searching for them,” explained Effie Yeaw Nature Center Interim Executive Director Betty Cooper. “Small birds don’t sit still. If we can get a scope on their nest, a really good look with terrific magnification is possible. We’re grateful to have expert volunteers putting in hours to scout and map nest locations before we set out.”

 A tiny nuthatch claims an oak crevice to house eggs.

A tummy-warming buffet followed the expeditions.

“The meal is a huge part of the event,” Cooper said. “After a long walk, everyone tucks in with a huge appetite. Birding and breakfasting has been a much-loved nature center tradition for 45 years.”

The Effie Yeaw Nature Center is located in Ancil Hoffman Park, 6700 Tarshes Drive, Carmichael.

Learn more about center programs at effieyeawnature.org.