5th Annual Snow Goose Festival, Jan. 23-25, 2004

Saturday, January 24 - Field Trips

7am-2pm	Chico to Gray Lodge Wildlife Area Enjoy great birding opportunities as you travel the back-roads from Chico to the Gray Lodge Wildlife Area. Jay has made this trip many a time and knows some of the great stopping places including the viewing platforms at the Llano Seco Unit of the Sacramento River NWR. Gray Lodge, managed by the California Department of Fish and Game, is known for its impressive number of wintering waterfowl. Enjoy a drive along a three-mile auto tour loop as well as a short walk (.3 miles) to a viewing platform where a spotting scope is available for enhanced viewing. Along with identifying numerous avian species Jay will give an overview of wetland ecology and management in the Central Valley. Viewing opportunities include a wide variety of waterfowl (including snow geese) raptors and many other wetland species. *Field Trip Leader: Jay Bogiatto* received his BS degree in Wildlife Management from Humbolt State University in 1977 and then his MS degree in Biology from CSU, Chico in 1986. He currently teaches Ornithology, Waterfowl Biology, and Zoology in the Biology Department at CSU, Chico. In addition, Jay currently serves as Station Manager at CSU, Chico's Eagle Lake field Station, and is also the Director of the Biology Department's Vertebrate Museum.
7am-5pm	Refuge to Refuge Visit two premier Sacramento Valley wildlife refuges. Our first destination will be the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Sacramento NWR near Willows. This time of year the valley is loaded with ducks and geese, so we may stop a few times along the way to view large flocks of waterfowl in the agricultural lands. Next, we will travel to the CA Dept. of Fish & Game Gray Lodge Wildlife Area. Plan to see huge flocks of snow geese, American wigeon, northern pintail, mallard, green winged teal and perhaps a blue winged teal and Eurasian wigeon. We should also see white-faced ibis, sandhill cranes and a variety of raptors. A "honker meal" including sandwich, chips, cookie, and drink can be purchased for $5.00 the morning of this tour. **Field Trip Leaders: Skip Augur** is editor of the White-Tailed Kite, the newsletter of the local Altacal Audubon Society. He also serves as their publicity director. He is an avid birder and has spent many hours in the field.
7:45am-2pm	Birding Lake Red Bluff Recreation Area and Environs (Meet at the Sacramento River Discovery Center) The Sacramento River Discovery Center will be the take off point for this exciting birding adventure. We will first bird the recreation area's oak woodlands, riparian and upland habitats before venturing off towards the eastern foothills. With the diverse habitat types covered on this trip you can expect to see many species of songbirds, waterfowl, raptors, herons and possibly even Lewis's woodpeckers. Participants are responsible for bringing their own lunch. *Field Trip Leader: David Dahnke* , a birding enthusiast for over twenty years has personally sighted over 450 species of birds. David is an active volunteer for the Sacramento River Discovery Center where he leads birding trips.
8am-11:30am	Feather River Nature Trail The trip begins with a caravan to the Old Bath House Nature Center in Oroville near the Table Mountain Bridge at Montgomery and Bridge Streets. We'll leave our vehicles here and begin our hike. As we meander along the banks of the Feather River keep a keen eye out for spotting some of the area's abundant wildlife which may include mergansers, goldeneye, bufflehead, osprey, eagle, river otter and even lingering salmon. *Field Trip Leader: Rex Burress,* long time naturalist, will guide you into this amazing riparian habitat. Rex is very familiar with this area as he visits it quite often writing nature articles and photographing its many natural wonders.
8am-Noon	Tehama Wildlife Area (Meet at the Sacramento River Discovery Center) California Department of Fish Game Tehama Wildlife Area encompasses 46,903 acres located in the foothills of eastern Tehama County. The Area provides critical wintering habitat for the largest migratory black-tailed deer herd in California. Learn about the habitat needs of the eastern Tehama deer herd and how Fish and Game manages the area not only to meet these needs but also to provide compatible recreational opportunities. Participants can expect to see birds common to oak woodlands such as the acorn woodpecker, oak titmouse, quail and possibly a Lewis's woodpecker. Field Trip Leader: Jim Chakarun has worked for the Department of Fish and Game for seventeen years and is currently the manager of the Tehama Wildlife Area.
8am-Noon	USFWS Llano Seco & Beginning Birding 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 spot to see a large variety of species without having to travel far and wide. Shelly will be sharing 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 (possibly bald eagles), and many other species. Just a short drive outside of Chico this is definitely a birding hot spot! *Field Trip Leader: Shelly Kirn* is a popular instructor at CSU Chico. Her classes include field biology, zoology and plant science.
8am-Noon	Dye Creek Preserve Visit the rugged, expansive Dye Creek Preserve in the Lassen Foothills region in eastern Tehama County. We will discuss land management efforts by the Nature Conservancy and tour the scenic Dye Creek Canyon or a streamside restoration site along the lower flood plain, depending on weather conditions. Participants can expect to see birds common to an oak woodland such as the acorn woodpecker, oak titmouse and quail. *Field Trip Leader: Dye Creek Preserve Staff*
8am-12:30pm	Kayaking at the Forebay Cruise the cold waters of the North Forebay of Lake Oroville and get up close with the resident and wintering waterfowl. This is a leisurely 3-mile paddle, and you must have 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 Leader: Dave Garcia* has been a State Park Ranger at Lake Oroville for 19 years. Dave is a Sierra Club and Audubon member and enjoys the outdoors and birding, as both a vocation and a hobby.
8am-12:30pm	Vina Plains to Pine Creek & The River Visit The Nature Conservancy's Vina Plains Preserve and learn about the foraging characteristics of waterfowl in vernal pool habitats, in addition to the rare plants and animals of vernal pool ecosystems. Next, travel to the Pine Creek Unit of the Sacramento River NWR and learn about riparian restoration, as well as anadromous fish and migratory songbirds. *Field Trip Leaders: Joe Silveira* has a BS and MS in Biology, and has been a wildlife biologist for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service since 1990. Dawit Zeleke is a restoration specialist and land manager for The Nature Conservancy.
9am-Noon	Explore the Red Bluff Recreation Area (Meet at the Sacramento River Discovery Center) Managed by the Mendocino National Forest, the Red Bluff Recreation Area offers opportunities to explore a variety of habitat types on its 488 acres. We will meet in the Sacramento River Discovery Center, which hosts a Visitor's Center. The Center has many educational, hands-on interpretive displays and informational brochures. We'll then venture outside to take a guided tour of the two-acre drought tolerant Discovery Garden. The garden contains over 150 different native plant species. Next, we'll stop by the Red Bluff Diversion Dam, which diverts water from the Sacramento River into the Tehama-Colusa Canal, and learn about watershed management. Our expedition will then wind its way through the riparian forest, past Ben's Pond and over to the oak woodland where you'll be able to see oak woodland restoration first hand. By keeping a watchful eye open during these explorations we surely will see an assortment of birds and other wildlife that call this area home. Field Trip Leader: Frank Plucker, is Chairman of the Board of the Sacramento River Discovery Center. He is also a local native plant Horticulturist and college Chemistry Professor.
9am-Noon	Book Family Farm The book Family Farm is nestled in-between hundreds of acres of rice fields and has a nice creek running along side it. With the rice fields, the creek and the crops that Keith Book grows, the Book Family Farm has become a sanctuary to a large amount of wildlife. Sandhill Cranes are frequent winter visitors and beaver enjoy living in the creek. *Field Trip Leader: Keith Book* is a farm and wildlife enthusiast. He is owner and operator of the Book Family Farm. Keith loves to use his farm to educate children and adults alike about farming and wildlife and how they can benefit one another.
10am-2pm	Sacramento River Management Area (Meet at the Sacramento River Discovery Center) The federal Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is offering a hiking tour of lands under its protection in a special management unit known as the Bend Area of Critical Environmental Concern. This region is currently under discussion in Congress as the potential Sacramento River National Conservation Area. Located to the northeast of Red Bluff, the tour will feature a variety of upland habitats as well as scenic vistas of the Sacramento River and surrounding watershed lands. Wildlife viewing opportunities include wetland, upland and neo-tropical birds as well as deer and other mammals. Participants will meet at the Sacramento River Discovery Center and are responsible for bringing their own lunch. The hike will be easy to moderate. *Field Trip Leader: Kelly Williams,* who is responsible for the day-to-day management of the area, has been a Natural Resource Specialist for the Bureau of Land Management in this area for over twenty years.
1pm-2:30pm	Bidwell Park & Chico Creek Nature Center (Meet at the Chico Creek Nature Center) Families! View the birds of Bidwell Park as you and your family take a leisurely hike in Bidwell Park, the third largest park in the United States, with Chico Creek Nature Center staff naturalist Randy Palmer. Then stop by the new exhibit " A Salute to Songbirds " at the Chico Creek Nature Center and learn interesting facts about bird songs, view different nests made by birds, snuggle up into a giant bird's nest and play birds song on a keyboard. What a great family outing! Don't miss this one. "A Salute to Songbirds" was developed by The Effie Yeaw Nature Center. *Field Trip Leader: CCNC Naturalist and bird enthusiast Randy Palmer,* a graduate of biology from the University of Montana, presents this year's program. Randy offers environmental education programs in Bidwell Park for K-6 students throughout the school year. He is an enthusiastic, kid-friendly presenter, who loves sharing his knowledge of the Park and the fascinating critters at the Nature Center.
1pm-4pm	Lundberg Farm Tour the farm famous for its specialty rice products and for attracting wildlife to it organic fields. Witness first-hand how valley farm practices, and ecological farming in particular, can benefit migratory and non-migratory bird populations of the Pacific Flyway. *Field Trip Leader: Jessica Lundberg* will personally greet and lead this tour of her family's processing facilities and adjacent farmland.
1pm-4:30pm	Esquon Ranch Rd. to Butte College Refuge a short drive outside of Durham along the roadways bordering the Esquon Ranch, snow geese, white-fronted geese and sandhill cranes can be seen in great numbers right from your vehicle! Bald eagles are occasionally spotted perched in the snags along the agricultural wetlands, and many more birds and wintering wildlife will be seen during your visit to the sanctuary of Butte College. Field Trip Leaders: Bob Guzman and Herman Gray are both active Gray Lodge Wildlife Area volunteers and docents. They are local residents who enjoy pointing out the fascinating sites and habitats that make up the wonderful diversity of the northern Sacramento Valley. Albin Bills is a field biology instructor at Butte College and has been a faculty advisor to the campus refuge for over twenty-five years.
1:30pm-3:30pm	Native Plant Gardening for the Entire Family (Meet at the Sacramento River Discovery Center) The Sacramento River Discovery Center is home to the Discovery Garden. This two-acre site contains over 150 different native and drought tolerant plant species. Come stroll through the garden while learning how you and your family can start a native plant garden. We'll show you plants that attract birds and butterflies, plants that can repel deer, and strategic ways to design your plantings to help reduce energy costs and fire hazards. We will explore how Native Americans and early settlers used native plants. While strolling, you will have the opportunity to take cuttings and pot them up, then learn how and where to plant them in your own garden. *Field Trip Leader: Anna Draper*, Program Manager for the Sacramento River Discovery Center. She has been a gardening enthusiast since she was a young child. She has been involved in Environmental Education for over 15 years, and loves to provoke youngsters to explore the natural world.
Sunday, January 25 - Field Trips
7am-2pm	Bird the Shores: Black Butte Lake Situated on the west side of the upper Sacramento Valley, Black Butte Lake is surrounded by beautiful dark volcanic buttes. Come explore the many inlets this lake has to offer and see pied-billed grebes, common mergansers, American wigeon, green-winged teal, Clark's and western grebes. Stop along the roads and see wild turkeys, bluebirds, red-tailed hawks, and turkey vultures. Lewis's woodpeckers along with both golden and bald eagles winter in this area, too. Participants are responsible for bringing their own sack lunch. *Field Trip Leader: Phil Johnson* is a member of the local Altacal Audubon Chapter and coordinates both the Chico and Oroville Christmas Bird counts. He has been birding in Butte County since 1989.
7:30am-Noon	Chico Oxidation Ponds & Indian Fishery Area 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 take a guided walk on the 1/2 mile nature trail at the Indian Fishery Area of Bidwell-Sacramento River State Park. 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: Mary Muchowski* began birding in 1988 when she took Ornithology at South Dakota State University. Since then she has worked for the U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, and the Bureau of Land Management conducting wildlife surveys for birds, mammals, amphibians, reptiles and plants. She loves watching birds and helping others learn to identify different species.
8am-Noon	USFWS Llano Seco & Beginning Birding 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 spot to see a large variety of species without having to travel far and wide. Shelly will be sharing 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 (possibly bald eagles), and many other species. Just a short drive outside of Chico this is definitely a birding hot spot! *Field Trip Leader: Shelly Kirn* is a popular instructor at CSU Chico. Her classes include field biology, zoology and plant science.
8am-12:30pm	Feather River's Bedrock Park & Oroville Wildlife Area 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. A short drive to the Oroville Wildlife Area offers additional viewing along elevated levee roads. Here riparian forests support many species of wintering songbirds and waterfowl as well as beaver, river otter, raccoons, muskrats and wild turkey. *Field Trip Leaders: Leroy Hord and John Grow* are both active local birders and very involved in the Gray Lodge Wildlife Area and the Oroville Wildlife Area Wood Duck Programs.
8am-4pm	Sutter Buttes Hikes: Summit Ascent or Mid-Mountain 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. Two separate hikes are available; a Summit Ascent and a Mid Mountain hike. The Summit Ascent, with a 1000 ft. elevation gain within a half-mile stretch, is quite strenuous. The Mid-Mountain hike is moderately brisk. *Field Trip Leaders: Mike Hubbartt* has led hikes into to Sutter Buttes for 22 years. Mike is on the Board of the Middle Mountain Foundation which strives to preserve the natural character of a truly unique landscape. Marty Steidlemayer, local landowner within the Buttes will guide a hike through his property, sharing his intimate knowledge of the area.
9am-2pm	Kopta Slough Come and view current and past restoration of this riparian forest area, as well as the untouched towering giants of the virgin riparian forest. We will travel through an oak woodland, the quiet Kopta Slough, and the floodplain areas along the Sacramento river. Participants are responsible for bringing their own lunch. *Field Trip Leader: David Tinker* is a Biology and Natural Resources teacher at Corning Union High School and has been very active using this river area as an outdoor classroom for the last 10 years.
12:30pm-4:30pm	Hiking Tour of Riparian Restoration Sites 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 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 that is taking place on these sites. Good walking shoes and rain gear are mandatory. *Field Trip Leader: Dan Efseaff* is a Restoration Ecologist for Sacramento River Partners. He conducts site assessments, develops restoration plans, and conducts research for River Partners. River Partners is a non-profit organization with offices in Chico and Modesto and focuses on the implementation of river conservation projects. Mr. Efseaff also has an extensive background leading wilderness, sea and whitewater kayaking trips.
12:30pm-4:30pm	Birding Paradise Lake Head up the hill to Paradise (weather permitting) and view the birds that winter in this higher elevation. Your stops will include Paradise Lake, DeSabla Reservoir, a nature trail on property managed by the Bureau of Land Management, and the Kunkle Reservoir. Meet Greg Dobbs of the Paradise Lake Irrigation District as he explains the history of the lake and the birds we can expect to see. Recent sightings have been loons, bald eagles, wood ducks, Canada geese and mergansers. Field Trip Leaders: Gaylord Grams lives in Paradise and is an avid birder. He is a member of the local Chapter of the Audubon Society. His birding travels have taken him Costa Rica and he has made several trips to the Southwest. Harlan Perryman is an avid birder and has traveled all around the country and the world birding. Has been an Audubon member since 1998.
12:30pm-5pm	Wing-It to the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge While at the Refuge, this trip offers excellent viewing without ever having to leave your car! But the "winging-it" part of this trip is where the fun really starts! Enroute, expect to veer off the beaten path a bit, as your leader gravitates to where the birds really are. When you arrive at the Refuge Visitor Center, view the diorama and pick-up a wildlife checklist, and then go off on a leisurely adventure around the auto tour loop. An informative radio program can be tuned in while on the tour, and you can stop and stretch at the viewing platform and the other Park and Stretch area for a closer look at the thousands of waterfowl that winter on this refuge. *Field Trip Leader: Michael Denega* brings his enthusiasm as a dynamic instructor and researcher of biological sciences to his birding. His travels and studies have taken him from the northern-most regions of the Pacific Flyway in Alaska to the southern-most habitats of South America, yet he still makes his home in the Central Valley, where he encourages his students to learn by going out in the field.
1pm-4pm	Genetic Resource Center This well kept secret is one of Chico's birding hot spots. The U.S. forest Service arboretum offers outstanding wildlife viewing as well as a unique collection of trees and plants form around the world. Over 200 species of birds can be found here. Gary Norcross, Orchard Manager, Genetic Resource Center will give you great information on the history of the Center, the tree nursery, and what animals can be found at this site. *Field Trip Leaders: Jackson Shedd* was born and raised in Chico. In elementary school, birds and reptiles became a huge interest to him and much of his time was spent looking at photographs and field guides. He was fortunate to visit Papua New Guinea in 1995 in order to see his favorite birds, the Birds of Paradise. Jackson attended CSU, Chico and obtained his BA in Art Studio. Currently Jackson is an avid bird-watcher and President of the Altacal Audubon society. You can view some of Jackson's paintings of birds on display at the Snow Goose Festival. *Gary Norcross* is Orchard Manager of the Genetic Resource Center since 1975.
1pm-4pm	Bird plants and Indian shelter (Meet at the upper Horseshoe Lake parking lot in Upper Bidwell Park) Join us on this family hike to enjoy 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 view of the canyon from the Indian shelter. Three miles round trip. *Field Trip Leaders: Jim Dempsey* is a habitat restoration specialist and land manager for California State Parks and *Wes Dempsey* is Emeritus Professor of Biology, CSU Chico and has led hikes in the area for many years.

A special note about Field Trips

Carpooling is encouraged. Please arrive at the location indicated 15 minutes prior to your scheduled event, in order to check-in. All field trips will be limited to the first 25 reservations.

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°-60° F.

Be sure to bring the following on your field trips: Rain gear, waterproof footwear, layered clothing, binoculars, camera, water, field identification guide, and snack or lunch as needed.