An American River Almanac: Reflections On Nature Throughout the Year

Journey through the pages of this gorgeous book and you will journey through the seasons along the American River. In winter, deciduous trees stand naked against blazing skies, guarding wetlands filled with ducks, geese, Sandhill cranes, and coots. As spring begins, a wide variety of flowers bloom, and honeybees spread pollens as they gather nectar. Flickers, swallows, and magpies build nests and lay eggs. Golden poppies blanket hillsides. As summer arrives, fully clothed deciduous trees create deep shade, and croaking frogs announce sunset. Berries plump and the river slows to a meander. Green magically transforms to gold as autumn takes the stage.

During the 1970s and 1980s, Peter Hayes wrote a series of articles about the plant and animal life along the American River through the seasons. After he retired, he gave them to the American River Natural History Association to be published. The Association, with the help of six extraordinarily talented photographic artists, created this incredibly beautiful chronicle of a typical year that will bring hours of pleasure to any nature lover. The writing shows Hayes’s passion for the area. The photographs are rich and artistic. This is not to be missed.