Presentations/Workshops: Sunday, Jan. 27

The marriage of a spotting scope and a digital camera to document wildlife sightings is one of the hottest topics in the birding world today. In this seminar you will spend time in the classroom and then out in the field.  Bruce Webb, California Field Technician of Swarovski Optik, USA will work with participants on topics such as: choosing the best camera mounting options, shooting tips, techniques in the field, and using a Digital SLR behind the scope eyepiece. Participants are encouraged to bring their spotting scopes and digital still cameras. 

Presenter: Bruce Webb

Enjoy a virtual field trip through the seasons of Bidwell Park, with a discussion of the interesting facts about the common but fascinating feathered denizens of the Jewel of Chico.  A rural park in an urban setting, Bidwell Park offers an amazing diversity of birds throughout the year.  It is the perfect place for both the experienced and novice birdwatcher to learn about and enjoy the birds so near and dear to us. 

Presenter: Roger Lederer

They are one of the most beneficial yet most misunderstood animals in the world.  Learn more about the habits, habitats, and species of bats that reside in the unique ecosystems of California’s valleys and forests.

Presenter: Corky Quirk

This workshop is a great opportunity for educators, adults, and children ages twelve and older to learn about some of the world’s most exciting active earth processes.  Participants will learn about the unique geologic features of their nearby national park and how to identify the four major types of volcanoes using a variety of fun and creative techniques.  Educational props, volcanic rocks, visual displays, and other resources will be used to enhance this presentation.

Presenter: Steve Zachary

Stop by this box building station to construct your own bird or bat box!  Learn a few pointers on placement and maintenance of the boxes.  Then take them home, put them up and start attracting these amazing creatures.  Participants will be assigned a designated time to stop by to build a box as only two boxes can be built at a time.

Presenter: TBA

Enjoy a lively and colorful PowerPoint presentation about how to identify some common ducks, geese, and swans found in the Sacramento Valley and the heritage of waterfowl hunting.

Presenter: Denise Dashner

Join Randy and learn how the Global Positioning System GPS can provide a little bit of fun for the entire family.  The GPS is used in the management of natural resources and in wildlife research. Knowing how to use GPS coordinates are particularly useful in locating where a bird is found.  Geocaching is a great family activity that gets everyone outside and walking around. Throughout the United States there are hidden treasures called geocaches that are found using a GPS unit—there may even be some close to where you live. All that is required is some instruction and a familiar gadget that talks to satellites hundreds of miles up. Geocaching is deceptively simple. Treasures will be hidden, with the only clue being the approximate coordinates  (longitude and latitude). GPS units will be available during the workshop.

Presenter: Randy Cousineau

Situated on the west side of the upper Sacramento Valley in an oak woodland savannah, Black Butte Lake is surrounded by beautiful dark volcanic buttes.  Relax and take in a slide show of the lake’s 40 miles of shoreline, three nature trails, and striking landscape.  See and touch natural artifacts and evidence of the area’s wildlife that will include snakeskins, skulls of bobcat and mountain lion, and pelts of beaver and otter. 

Presenter: Mary Ann Deeming