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Presenter Biographies
Read all the biographies here.
Field Trip Ratings
The following rating system for field trips will give you an idea for the rigors involved.
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Mostly birding by car and/or easy walking |
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Walking, could involve distance but largely flat |
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More vigorous hiking, some elevation gain/loss |
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A true adventure trip, lots of driving and hiking |
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Wheelchair accessible |
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. All field trips will be limited to the first 20 reservations. After that, a waiting list will be generated. Walk-in registration may be available for some events
during the weekend of the Festival, but cannot be guaranteed.
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°-65°F.
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” section 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.
- Take binoculars or a scope for a better viewing experience.
- Take water on long outings to stay hydrated.
- Take 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 their habitats. Turn off cell phones or other
electronic devices. If you are taking children with you, explain to them proper etiquette before the trip.
- 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.
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Slow Food: How It’s Grown and How to Enjoy It!
Northern California's unique climate allows the creation of wonderful foods that, far too often, are overlooked. A group of local farmers and ranchers, in conjunction with the local Slow Food convivial, have joined together to celebrate and promote the unique and wonderful food that our area produces. In this panel discussion local producers will discuss how their individual operations evoke the uniqueness of our climate in their products. They understand that the health of the landscape directly affects the health of wildlife and humans. Big Bluff Ranch () in Red Bluff produces grass-fed beef and lamb. Pacific Sun Olive Oil in Gerber produces a distinct northern California olive oil.
Presenter: Tyler Dawley and Panel
Basic Nature & Wildlife Photography Workshop
This workshop is an introduction to nature and wildlife photography particularly bird photography. Topics include equipment recommendations including 35 mm film and digital cameras, lenses and associated accessories, in addition to discussions on exposure, lighting, composition techniques, and the use of photography blinds and the ethics of nature photography. Recommended photography locations will also be presented during a slide show. A myriad of equipment will be on display including film and digital cameras, photography blinds, camera support devices, flash projection setups and remote control units. This workshop compliments Steve’s Photography Field Trip on Sunday at the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge.
Presenter: Steve Emmons
Children's Raptor Program
Kids! This exciting program will begin at the Chico Creek Nature Center's non-releasable living animal museum, located in Bidwell Park. Learn exactly what a raptor is and other fun facts about raptors that are residing at the Nature Center and Bidwell Park. The program will include a short hike into the Park where we will look for evidence of raptor activity. Kids will also build and paint a wooden birdhouse (snap-together kit) that they can take home! Small children under 7 must be accompanied by an adult.
Presenter: Chico Creek Nature Center
Keeping Track of your Bird Life List (Birding Software)
There are several computer programs that wildlife enthusiasts can use to keep track of their sightings. Bruce Webb, has tried most of them and can tell you the pros and cons of the most popular programs. He will demonstrate two programs - Wildlife Recorder and Pocket Bird Recorder. The entry of your personal sightings is easier than you think! More important, exciting reports can be generated to show you exactly when and where you saw each of the birds on your list - whether it was in your own backyard or anywhere else in the world.
Presenter: Bruce Webb
Optics
Learn the basics about Binoculars and Spotting Scopes for birdwatching! What do the numbers mean? Isn't higher power always better? This workshop will be a "show and tell" discussion about the differences in size, quality, and construction of optics so that you can make a good choice for your needs and budget. Sample optics will be available from numerous manufacturers to illustrate. Visit www.Discountbinoculars.com.
Presenter: Marilyn Rose
All About Bats
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 within the unique ecosystems of California’s valleys and forests.
Presenter: Linda Angerer
Alaska - 18 Days in August
Ron will dazzle us with a peak into the wonder that is Alaska. With a thousand islands and ten thousand miles of edge this is truly the last ‘best wild place’ remaining on earth. Visuals of Ron’s exploration of the Inside Passage, S.E. Alaska, and Denali National Park will allow us an extremely intimate view of the ‘Alaska we all dream about’. Hundreds of whales, thousands of bear (and even more eagles) make this an incredible visual journey you don’t want to miss! This year’s highlight will be his amazing coverage of a wolf pact. This truly is a celebration of all that is wild!
Presenter: Ron Sanford
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