Field Trips: Saturday, Jan. 27

Enjoy great birding opportunities as you travel the back-roads out of Chico through flooded agricultural land as well as the managed wetlands of state and federal wildlife refuges. We will start with a visit to the viewing platform at the Llano Seco Unit of the Sacramento River National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) and from there we will meander across the valley to the Sacramento NWR - birding along the way. We will wrap-up the trip with a visit to the Gray Lodge Wildlife Area. Along with helping you to identify numerous avian species Jay will discuss the importance of wetland management and ecology to the thousands of wintering birds that depend on this habitat for survival. We hope to generate a list of over 80 bird species on this trip. Expect to see a wide variety of waterfowl (including snow geese), raptors, and many other wetland species. Bring lunch, water, binoculars, and field guide.

Field Trip Leader: Jay Bogiatto

We will begin with a drive almost directly into the center of the Buttes to visit the historic Dean Ranch. A three-mile gentle hillside walk will reveal the Buttes’ volcanic origins, Native American artifacts, and a hundred year old working cattle ranch. Enjoy a leisurely trip back into a time gone by. Bring lunch and water.

Field Trip Leader: Middle Mountain Foundation

Visit two premier Sacramento Valley wildlife refuges. Our first destination will be the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Sacramento NWR near Willows. We will make a stop at the visitor center, drive the auto tour route, and visit the viewing platform. Next, we will travel to the CA Dept. of Fish & Gray Lodge Wildlife Area - birding along the way. 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 Leader: Skip Augur

Discover the birding delights of the Lema Ranch in Redding. This 200-acre headquarters of the McConnell Foundation features four ponds with marshy borders set in an oak savannah landscape. This trip is designed for the intermediate birder, although beginning birders are welcome. The 2 ¼-mile paved trail encompasses a wide variety of habitats that has yielded over 80 species of birds throughout the year. We should expect close-up views of dabbling ducks, Common Moorhens and herons a well as a wide variety of wintering upland birds. $15-$7.

Field Trip Leader: Bill Oliver

Here is an opportunity to learn about the wildlife and birds at Lassen Volcanic National Park in winter! We will causally explore the park’s beautiful Red Fir forest on snowshoes. Participants must be 8 years or older and able to withstand moderate physical exertion at an elevation of 7,000 feet. Experience on snowshoes is not needed. Dress warmly and wear boots.

Field Trip Leader: Park Ranger Steve Zachary

Explore Peace Valley, one of California’s newest state parks, nestled 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.

Field Trip Leader: Ranger 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!

Field Trip Leader: Mary Muchowski

Visit The Nature Conservancy'sVina Plains Preserve and learn about the rare plants and animals of California's vernal pool ecosystems; you will also discover why vernal pool landscapes are so important to migratory waterfowl and shorebirds. Next, travel to the Pine Creek Unit of Sacramento River National Wildlife Refuge where you will see riparian habitat restoration and learn why it is important for the survival of Chinook salmon, migratory songbirds, and endangered species.

Field Trip Leaders: Joe Silveira and Dawit Zeleke

Just a short drive outside Durham, along the roadways bordering Rancho Esquon multitudes of Snow Geese, White-fronted Geese and Sandhill Cranes can usually be seen right from your vehicle! Bald Eagles are occasionally spotted perched in the snags along the agricultural wetlands. Upon arrival at Rancho Esquon we will visit the viewing platform, which offers a spectacular view of the surrounding wetlands and their habitants. We will also be visiting the egg hatching facility as we learn about the diverse undertakings of this complex rice ranch.

Field Trip Leader: Phil Johnson and Mac McCormick

Visit the rugged, expansive Dye Creek Preserve in the Lassen Foothills region of 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. You can expect to see birds common to oak woodland such as the Acorn Woodpecker, Oak Titmouse and California Quail. Bring lunch and drink.

Field Trip Leader: Nature Conservancy Staff Naturalist

This trip begins with a car caravan to the Old Bath House Nature Center near the Table Mountain Bridge at Montgomery and Bridge Streets in Oroville. We will leave our vehicles here and begin a nice leisurely hike. As we meander along the banks of the Feather River we will keep a keen eye out for some of the area's abundant wildlife which includes Mergansers, Goldeneyes, Buffleheads, Osprey, Eagle, river otter and even lingering salmon.

Field Trip Leader: Rex Burress

What a wondrous thing to view the world of birds through a child’s eyes! This workshop/field trip will focus on the basics of birding. The workshop covers basic bird anatomy and basic identification techniques. At the Nature Center each child will view, up close, actual examples of some of the park’s avian residents. We will then venture into Bidwell Park to practice our new skills on the wild birds of the park. Bring field guides and binoculars if you have them. Some binoculars will be available to loan if needed. Ages 7 to 12.

Field Trip Leader: Liam Huber and Scott Huber

This workshop/field trip combination takes place in the beautiful setting of the Genetic Resource Center located on the outskirts of Chico. After a brief overview of the significance and importance of the Center the birding session will begin. It’s been said, “The best birdwatcher is another bird.” Learn the hows and whys of bird watching. Whether it’s watching hummingbirds in your own back yard or penguins in Antarctica, bird watching is your lifetime ticket to the theater of nature. This presentation is a combination of classroom study and fieldwork - making it a must for anyone wanting to learn more about birding. After our workshop we will head right out the door to put our newly acquired birding skills to the test. Bring binoculars if you have them!

Field Trip Leaders: Roger Lederer and Gary Norcross

Student interns from the Red Bluff High School ROP program will share highlights of their accomplishments throughout the year. We will have the opportunity to view their extensive re-vegetation projects and native grass plots as well as see how they are handling invasive plant removal. We will also have the opportunity to learn about their bird nest box projects. Then after a brief overview of the Sacramento River Discovery Center’s numerous educational programs, native plant garden and visitor center we’ll venture outside to view the Red Bluff Diversion Dam and stroll into oak woodlands, wetlands, riparian, and grassland habitats. By keeping a watchful eye open during these explorations we may see an assortment of birds and other wildlife that call this area home.

Field Trip Leaders: Ben Hughes, Matt Pritchard and Red Bluff High School Regional Occupation Program Student Interns

The Book Family Farm is nestled in-between hundreds of acres of rice fields. With its rice fields and the crops, the Book Family Farm has become a sanctuary to large numbers of wildlife. Sandhill Cranes are frequent winter visitors.

Field Trip Leader: Dan McKnight

Join Jackson for a trip to the Big Chico Creek Ecological Reserve where we’ll descend into the Big Chico Creek Canyon for foothill woodland birding. This is a great habitat for wintering raptors, sparrows, and other passerines. This outing will also include checking mist nets at a bird banding site where federally licensed bird bander, Dawn Garcia, and volunteers have nets set up to band birds, take various measurements, record data, and then release the birds.

Field Trip Leaders: Jackson Shedd and Dawn Garcia

Sacramento River Management Area

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 Sacramento River Bend Outstanding Natural Area. Located to the northeast of Red Bluff, this area is currently under consideration for designation as a National Recreation Area. We will see a variety of upland habitats as well as spectacular 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. This will be a moderate hike with half of it off trail on uneven ground. Please wear sturdy hiking shoes or boots and bring a sack lunch and beverage. Allow 45-minute driving time from Chico.

Field Trip Leader: Kelly Williams

In the middle of “Sherwood Forest” with its majestic oaks and towering sycamores, you will find the wonderful birds of Bidwell Park, the “Jewel of Chico”. This trip will start at One Mile where we will explore the lush habitat of acorn woodpeckers, various warblers and other birds found in Lower Park. We will then proceed to the riparian corridor of Upper Park and the Yahi Trail, where we are likely to find Brown Creeper, White Breasted Nuthatch, various songbirds, Green herons and many other winter residents.

Field Trip Leader: Michelle Ocken

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

After a short drive, we will visit the Del Rio Preserve which was planted in 2003 with native grasses, riparian trees, and shrubs. We will park at the edge of the preserve and walk about 2 miles for the duration of the tour. We should see most of the upland birds characteristic of the Sacramento Valley at this time of year.

Field Trip Leader: Tom Griggs

Come visit a unique farm where history, wildlife conservation, organic farming and activism all come together. The Massa family has been growing rice in California’s Sacramento Valley for almost 100 years. Their 90 acres of certified organic fields surround their straw bale home where oak tress, Sandhill Cranes, Wood Ducks, hawks and owls call their land home too. You will also visit a historic graveyard where the leader of California’s Bear Flag Revolt is buried.

Field Trip Leader: Greg Massa

Just a short drive outside Durham, along the roadways bordering Rancho Esquon multitudes of Snow Geese, White-fronted Geese and Sandhill Cranes can usually be seen right from your vehicle! Bald Eagles are occasionally spotted perched in the snags along the agricultural wetlands. Upon arrival at Rancho Esquon we will visit the viewing platform, which offers a spectacular view of the surrounding wetlands and their habitants. We will also be visiting the egg hatching facility as we learn about the diverse undertakings of this complex rice ranch. (This is a repeat of the morning field trip for those who missed it!)

Field Trip Leader: Herman Gray