Pre-Festival Field Trip: Thursday, Jan. 24

Field Trip Leader Biographies

Read all the biographies here.

Field Trip Ratings

The following rating system for field trips will give you an idea for the rigors involved.

Mostly birding by car and/or easy walking Mostly birding by car and/or easy walking
Walking, could involve distance but largely flat Walking, could involve distance but largely flat
More vigorous hiking, some elevation gain/loss More vigorous hiking, some elevation gain/loss
A true adventure trip, lots of driving and hiking A true adventure trip, lots of driving and hiking
Wheelchair accessible Wheelchair accessible

A special note about Field Trips

Please arrive at the location indicated 30 minutes prior to your scheduled event. This will allow us time to check you in and ensure the trip leaves promptly. We ask that you follow your field trip leader from the meeting location to the final destination. Anyone arriving after the field trip leader has left may not be able to join the group. All field trips will be limited to the first 20 reservations. After that, a waiting list will be generated. Walk-in registration may be available for some events during the weekend of the Festival, but cannot be guaranteed.

Weather may change a trip's itinerary, but most trips will be conducted rain or shine. The weather in the valley during January is variable. It is generally cold and sometimes rainy, with daytime highs ranging from 50°-65°F.

Be sure to bring the following on your field trips: rain gear, waterproof footwear, layered clothing, binoculars, camera, field identification guide, water and snack or lunch as needed. Please also check out the Tips & Etiquette below to help you enjoy your day to the fullest.

Tips & Etiquette for Bird Watchers

To make your trip more enjoyable for yourself and others, we ask you to please use these following etiquette tips:

  • Wear clothing suitable for the weather and area you'll be hiking in. It's practical to layer clothing to accommodate fluctuations in temperature. Wear comfortable shoes that have a good grip and are waterproof when necessary. You may want to take sunscreen, a hat or rain gear.
  • Bring binoculars or a scope for a better viewing experience.
  • Bring water on long outings to stay hydrated.
  • Bring a Field Guide if you are interested in learning more about the birds you see. If you are a beginning birder, look for a guide that specializes in birds of northern California.
  • Be courteous to other explorers. Stay with your group and pay attention to your trip leader. Walk quietly and slowly. Do not disrupt animals or their habitats. Turn off cell phones or other electronic devices. If you are taking children with you, explain to them proper etiquette before the trip.
  • Tune up your senses and listen carefully. Scan the horizon and tree canopies. Look to the ground for prints, feathers and other traces of wildlife. Please remove litter and leave natural items where they belong. This will keep it enjoyable for others when they visit.

Owl Banding and Survey

$20 Adult; $7 Youth
5:30 pm - 9 pm
Meet at Chico Masonic Family Center
A true adventure trip, lots of driving and hiking

Join Dawn Garcia and Mike Fisher for a nighttime survey of the winter population of owls on the Big Chico Creek Ecological Reserve.  It will be a rare chance to observe an ongoing owl research project.  Our targets will be four of the five owls known to use the reserve.  We will set up mist nets and use an audio lure to try and catch Northern Saw-whet Owls and Western Screech-Owls. Each owl caught will be banded, various measurements taken and recorded and if possible we will determine its age and sex.  The owl will then be released.  We will also be looking to detect Northern Pygmy-Owls and Great Horned Owls by their calls.  Dawn is a federally licensed bird bander who has operated a Saw-whet Owl banding project at this site for the past three years

Field Trip Leaders: Dawn Garcia and Mike Fisher