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| Laurel Ponds - Site # 120 | |||
| Ponds and a wetland that attract mallards, cinnamon teal and ring-necked ducks, Canada geese, American avocets, killdeer. | |||
| Background: | These cooperatively managed ponds and wetlands were developed with treated wastewater. The ponds, in an otherwise arid setting, are a magnet for migratory waterfowl and shorebirds. Mallards, cinnamon teal, ring-necked ducks, Canada geese, American avocets, and killdeer are common, with several breeding species. Great blue herons are conspicuous, but look for sora-the most common of rails- hiding among marsh vegetation. Resident prairie falcons and golden eagles share the skies with wintering rough-legged hawks. The open sage flats attract sage thrashers, sage sparrows and sage grouse and offer views of migratory mule deer, often 300 at a time. | ||
| Wildlife and Where to Find It: | Look for sora (common rails) hiding in marsh vegetation, overhead for prairie falcons, golden eagles and rough-legged hawks, and in open sage flats for sage thrashers, sage sparrows and sage grouse. Mule deer, often 300 at a time, can be seen migrating through the area in May, September and October. | ||
| Viewing Tips: | ROAD IMPASSABLE IN WINTER. Waterfowl, shorebirds, and songbirds are seen from May through November. Deer are common in May, September, and October. | ||
| Site Notes: | Exit Hwy 395 to Mammoth Lakes on Hwy 203. From the Town of Mammoth Lakes, follow Old Mammoth Rd to Sherwin Creek dirt road. West of Sherwin Creek campground and picnic area a rough high clearance 4x4 road goes south to Laurel Lake. Most people hike the last section of the road. For wilderness permit information call (760) 873-2483; or for area information call the Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center (760) 924-5500 | ||
| Nearby Viewing Sites: | Mono Basin National Forest Scenic Area East Walker Wildlife Area Fish Slough Ecological Reserve & Fish Slough Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC) Lee Vining/Tioga Lake | ||
| Visitor Information: | Visit Mammoth - (888) 466-2666 - https://www.visitmammoth.com | ||
| Viewing Site Hours of Operation are: | |||
| Staff On-site: | No | ||
| Open: | |||
| Hours: | |||
| Year Round: | No | ||
| Road Information: |  Paved. | ||
| Road Hazards: | |||
 Number of Parking Spaces: 0 | |||
| Parking Fee: No | |||
| Proximity to viewing area: | |||
 Pull-Through Parking: | |||
| Parking Notes: | |||
| Special Tips: | Most people hike the last section of the road. Special fishing regulations in Laurel Lakes. Season is from last Saturday in April thru November 15th. Minimum size limit is 14 inches total length. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used. Bag limit 2 fish per day, 2 in possession. Check the fishing regulations before going www.dfg.ca.gov/fishing/ | ||
| How to Get There: | From Bishop or Bridgeport, take Highway 395 to Convict Lake exit. Drive 0.2 miles and turn right on dirt road, continue 2 miles to pond. | ||
| Contact Information | |||
| Managing Agency: | USDA Forest Service, Inyo National Forest | ||
| Agency Site URL: | https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/inyo/recreation/recarea/?recid=20464&actid=42 | ||
| Physical Address: | 351 Pacu Lane Bishop, CA 93514 |
Agency 2: | , CA |
| Manager Phone: | |||
| Site Phone: | (760) 873-2400 or Welcome Center (760) 924-5500 | ||
| County: | Mono | ||
| Addition Website: | |||