Field Trips: Sunday, Jan. 27

Just a few miles from downtown Chico, these local oxidation ponds have been mentioned in several books on Northern California as a premier birding spot. Walk on the levees behind the City of Chico Sewage Treatment Plant and find many species of local and migrating waterfowl and other birds and mammals. Then stop at Indian Fishery Day Use Area of Bidwell - Sacramento River State Park and take a 1/2 mile guided nature trail. The trail winds through an oak woodland forest adjacent to an oxbow lake. Woodpeckers abound along with woodland and aquatic birds. In addition you may see river otter, beaver and pond turtles.

Field Trip Leader: Mike Fisher

The Thomes Gorge trail winds its way through Coast range chaparral/Gray pine and ends at the dramatic Thomes Creek Gorge. It offers excellent views of the Paskenta foothills and the Sacramento Valley. We hope to see California Thrasher, Mountain Quail, Mountain Bluebirds, Golden Eagle, Dipper, and other chapparel species. Also expect to see California Juniper, Bear scat, Serpentine rock outcrops, and interesting creekside boulders. We will make several short stops near Black Butte Lake to look for raptors and waterfowl on the way. This is an all day hike (approx 8.4 miles round trip) through hilly terrain. Participants must be in good hiking shape. There will be one small creek crossing. Bring sturdy hiking boots, lunch, water, extra layers of clothing, binoculars. We will carpool to the trailhead (1 1/2 hours each way).

Field Trip Leader: Phil Johnson and Marjorie McNairn

Take a 5 mile hike into the mysterious interior of the Sutter Buttes. Visit secluded locations that reveal the Buttes' geologic formation, Native American presence, old pioneer home sites and a wild ecology typical of California's past. The mid mountain hike is moderately brisk. Wear sturdy hiking shoes or boots, dress in layers appropriate to the weather, bring lunch and water.

Field Trip Leaders: Mike Hubbartt and Marty Steidlemayer

Take a 5 mile hike into the mysterious interior of the Sutter Buttes. Visit secluded locations that reveal the Buttes' geologic formation, Native American presence, old pioneer home sites, and a wild ecology typical of California's past. The Summit Ascent, with a 1000 ft. elevation gain within a half-mile stretch, is quite strenuous. Wear sturdy hiking shoes or boots, dress in layers appropriate to the weather, bring lunch and water.

Field Trip Leaders: Mike Hubbartt and Marty Steidlemayer

Join Assistant Refuge Manager Steve Emmons for a morning of photography at the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge. Although we will concentrate on photographing waterfowl and other birds, come prepared to take scenic and close-up photographs. Various topics such as where to photograph on the refuge, lighting considerations, using long lenses, composing photographs and using flash will be discussed. Participants should bring a film or digital camera body (with film or digital cards), wide angle, macro and telephoto (minimum 200mm with 1.4X teleconverter) lenses, tripod and flash (not mandatory but advised).

Field Trip Leader: Steve Emmons

The Northern Sacramento Valley attracts some 14 different raptor species during the cold winter months, including seven hawks; four falcons; two eagles; and one kite. As January is one of the best months for raptor viewing in Butte County, we will caravan down Hwy 99 south of Chico to seek as many of these birds of prey as we can. Target species are Bald Eagle, Ferruginous Hawk, Merlin, Prairie Falcon, and more.

Field Trip Leader: Jackson Shedd

Explore California State Park’s newly acquired property, Peace Valley, in the Sutter Buttes. It will be like stepping back in time as you learn about the Valley’s natural and cultural history. We will visit a Native American site used for grinding acorns. As we traverse this incredible Valley we will learn the interesting geological processes that formed it. This is an undeveloped area, wear comfortable walking shoes or boots and bring a sack lunch and beverage. Participants must be in good hiking shape. (Repeat of Saturday’s hike)

Field Trip Leader: Tim Davis

The Llano Seco Unit of the Sacramento River NWR offers sensational views from an elevated viewing platform. This trip is designed for the beginning to intermediate birder (advanced birders are also welcome) as this is an ideal location for viewing a large variety of species all in one location! Learn interesting facts about the birds as well as helpful hints on identification. You can expect to see a variety of wintering waterfowl, sandhill cranes, raptors (last year several bald eagles were seen), along with many other species. Just a short drive outside of Chico, this is definitely a birding hot spot! (This is a duplicate of Saturday’s field trip.)

Field Trip Leaders: Shelly Kirn, Jackie Ferrier, Kenn Kaufman

Cruise the cold waters of Lake Oroville’s North Forebay and get up close with the resident and wintering waterfowl. This is a leisurely 3-mile paddle, and you must bring your own canoe or kayak to attend. You must also have a PFD (personal floatation device) for each person on your boat. Bring binoculars and warm clothing.

Field Trip Leaders: Ellen Clark and Bill Stewart

Join River Partner staff for a walking tour between two riparian restoration sites along the Sacramento River. We will start at the Ord Bend Unit of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and end up at the California Department of Fish and Game's Jacinto Unit. The approximately 3 mile level hike offers great views of the Sacramento River and an opportunity to view winter wildlife. Come learn about river and restoration processes, opportunities for local community involvement, and wildlife benefits as you get a close-up view of the dramatic transformation taking place on these sites. Good walking shoes are a must!

Field Trip Leader: Dan Efseaff

The main attraction of this leisurely walk at Bedrock Park is the diving duck population that frequents this stretch of the Feather River. Buffleheads, Goldeneyes, Ruddy Ducks, and Common Mergansers can be seen doing their courtship and bonding displays. The riparian habitat support many species of wintering songbirds and waterfowl as well as Beaver, River Otter, Raccoons, Muskrats and Wild Turkey.

Field Trip Leader: Leroy Hord and Darhl Whitlock

Benjamin Franklin thought so highly of the wild turkey that he recommended it (rather than the bald eagle) as our national symbol. The Big Chico Creek Ecological Reserve is home to flourishing flocks of these majestic birds. Scott Huber, chairman of the Chico Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation and member of Altacal Audubon will give a brief presentation on the history and life cycle of these birds as well as demonstrate the art of turkey calling, then attempt to view them in their natural environment. Along the way we will keep a list of the many other bird species seen in this pristine reserve!

Field Trip Leader: Liam Huber and Scott Huber

Enjoy great birding opportunities at the Gray Lodge Wildlife Area, one of the premier birding spots in northern California. Hike to the viewing platform and visit the newly built ‘hides’. We will also drive the three mile auto tour route. Birds likely to be seen include a wide variety of waterfowl (including Snow Geese), raptors, egrets, herons, belted kingfishers and many other wetland species.

Field Trip Leaders: Mary Muchowski and Mike Scram

Yes, see the birds of Paradise! Follow Gaylord as you walk lower Paradise’s bike path to view oak woodland birds. We should see Spotted Towhees along with Red-breasted Sapsuckers, Downy, Nuttal’s and Acorn Woodpeckers. We’ll then travel on up the hill to DeSabla Reservoir where sightings of bald eagles, wood ducks, Canada geese, nuthatches, chickadees and mergansers are common.

Field Trip Leader: Gaylord Grams

The "winging-it" part of this trip is where the fun starts! En route to the Refuge expect to veer off the beaten path a bit as your leader gravitates to where the birds are. When you arrive at the Refuge we’ll view the dioramas at the Visitor's Center and pick-up a wildlife checklist. Then you are off to a leisurely adventure around the auto tour loop which offers excellent viewing opportunities. It is possible to see thousands of birds which includes an impressive variety of species. We will make stops and exit our cars at designated viewing areas. Enjoy the multitude of wildlife observations that this great refuge has to offer. You can expect to see snow geese, pintails, cinnamon teal, ring neck ducks, wigeon, raptors and possibly a bald eagle.

Field Trip Leader: Michael Denega

Bring the family and explore these hidden wetlands with Chico Creek Nature Center naturalist Jon Aull who will take you on a discovery hike through one of Chico's best kept secrets, Teichert Ponds. The ponds are an urban oasis for wildlife in the midst of mall development. The ponds host a number of resident and transient birds, including wood ducks, osprey, herons, and egrets. We will also hike to a beaver lodge. Wear long pants for blackberry bushes and shoes appropriate for mud.

Field Trip Leader: Jon Aull

Join us for a fun family hike to Upper Bidwell Park! On our way to the Indian shelter, we will pause to appreciate wildlife and Indian uses of the plants we find along the way. Take in the wonderful view of the canyon from the Indian shelter. It is a three-mile round-trip hike so wear comfortable walking shoes and bring water.

Field Trip Leaders: Jim Dempsey