19th Annual Snow Goose Festival

Field Trip Leader Bios

Read all the biographies here.

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. Most field trips will be limited to the first 20 reservations. Walk-in registration may be available for some events during the weekend of the Festival.

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 50F to 65F.

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 damage their habitats (breaking branches, trampling vegetation). Turn off cell phones or other electronic devices. If you are taking children with you, explain to them proper etiquette before the trip. Always behave in a manner that will enhance the image of the birding communities in the eyes of the public.
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.
No dogs or pets allowed on any Snow Goose Festival event, workshop, or program. Please leave Fido with friends or family and not in the car during a field trip.

Home :: Past Festivals :: 19th Annual Snow Goose Festival :: Field Trips :: Field Trip: Upper Bidwell Park's Yahi Trail

Field Trip: Upper Bidwell Park's Yahi Trail

$25 Adult; $10 Youth

Thursday, Jan 25, 2018 7:30 am - 12:00 pm

Meet at Chico Masonic Family Center (Map)

More vigorous hiking, some elevation gain/loss

Description

The Yahi Trail in Upper Bidwell Park, a favorite birding trail with locals, offers a surprisingly rich variety of birds all year. The natural habitat along Big Chico Creek offers excellent viewing opportunities of many creek-side and oak woodland bird species, and it has some of the best winter birding in Bidwell Park. We will hike less than 3 miles round-trip along the creek starting at Horseshoe Lake. Sightings include Black Phoebe, Hermit Thrush, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Spotted Towhee, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Acorn Woodpecker, and Bushtit. Many other species are possible, like Phainopepla, and it's always worth a walk down this trail to find out! Wear comfortable hiking shoes and layers, and bring water and snacks. This trip is also offered on Sunday morning with different leaders.

Field Trip Leaders

Carrie Wendt

Carrie Wendt is a Partner Biologist for Point Blue Conservation Science and Natural Resources Conservation Science (NRCS) where she works with private land owners to conserve and improve wildlife habitat on local farms and ranches. Before moving to Chico, Carrie attended graduate school at Humboldt State University studying barn owls in Napa Valley vineyards. She has researched birds all over the western US, China and Kenya.

Carrie Wendt's Events

Upper Bidwell Park's Yahi Trail (1/25/2018)

Donald Beers

Don Beers worked for the California State Park System for over 30 years. The Roads, Trails and Resource Section that he supervised were responsible for the District's trail construction and maintenance, backcountry road re-engineering and maintenance, and watershed restoration project implementation. Don has been one of the lead instructors in the National Trails Training Program, and the California State Park Trails Training Program. This included working on developing the curriculum for these two programs. He has lectured and presented workshops at State, National and Professional trail conferences. Don is currently working on the California State Park's Trails Handbook revision and is one of the principal authors of that handbook.

Donald Beers's Events

Upper Bidwell Park's Yahi Trail (1/25/2018)
Dye Creek Preserve (1/26/2018)