Field Trips: Sunday, Jan. 28

Just a few miles from downtown Chico, these oxidation ponds are a favorite birding spot for locals. You'll walk the levees behind the City Sewage Treatment Plant and find many species of local and migrating waterfowl and other birds and mammals. Then stop at the 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.

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

Situated on the west side of the upper Sacramento Valley, Black Butte Lake is surrounded by beautiful dark volcanic buttes. Come explore the backwaters and woodlands this lake has to offer and see Pied-billed Grebes, Belted-Kingfisher, Bonaparte's Gulls, Goldeneyes, Clark’s, and Western Grebes. Stop along the roads and see Wild Turkeys, Mountain Bluebirds, Red-tailed Hawks, and Turkey Vultures. Lewis’s Woodpeckers, and Golden and Bald Eagle winter in this area, too. Bring a sack lunch and drink.

Field Trip Leader: Phil Johnson

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. Allow 45-minute driving time from Chico.

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. Allow 45-minutes driving time from Chico

Field Trip Leaders: Mike Hubbartt and Marty Steidlemayer

Join Assistant Refuge Manager Steve Emmons at the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge to practice some of the techniques discussed in his Saturday workshop. Depending on the weather and lighting conditions, we will concentrate on bird, scenic or close-up photography, so come prepared. Various techniques will be demonstrated including finding subjects, getting close, using blinds and long lens techniques. Technical subjects of exposure, lighting considerations, and flash will also 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). Photographers using Nikon camera bodies will be able to use Steve’s 500mm f/4 (manual focus) and 80-200mm f/4 (manual focus) and 80-200mm f/2.8 (auto focus) lenses, and 1.4 and 2x teleconverters and 1.4X and 2X teleconverters. Limited to 20. Allow 60-minute driving time from Chico.

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 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! (This is a duplicate of Saturday’s field trip.)

Field Trip Leader: Darhl Whitlock

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 Leader: Ellen Clark and Bill Stewart

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 along the river supports many species of wintering songbirds and waterfowl as well as beaver, river otter, raccoons, muskrats and wild turkey.

Field Trip Leader: John Grow and Leroy Hord

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: Scott Huber

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 will 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

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. Mobility-impaired accessible.

Field Trip Leader: Mary Muchowski

Join the Chico Velo Club for this 3 to 4 hour flat bike ride out to the Indian Fishery Day Use Area of Bidwell-Sacramento River State Park, with a return stop at the City of Chico Water Pollution control Plant (Oxidation Ponds), both great birding spots. Riders should have a reliable and safe bicycle. Helmets will be required for all riders. Chico Velo will provide snacks during the trip. Please bring your own water.

Field Trip Leader: Ed McLaughlin

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 "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 include 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

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