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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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Digiscoping 101
The marriage of a spotting scope and a digital camera to document wildlife sightings is one of the hottest topics in the birding world today. In this seminar you will spend time in the classroom and then out in the field. Bruce Webb, California Field Technician of Swarovski OptiK, USA will work with participants on topics such as: choosing the best camera mounting options, shooting tips, techniques in the field, and using a Digital SLR behind the scope eyepiece. Participants are encouraged to bring their spotting scopes and digital still cameras
Presenter: Bruce Webb
Birds of Bidwell Park
Enjoy a virtual field trip through the seasons of Bidwell Park, with a discussion of the interesting facts about the common but fascinating feathered denizens of the Jewel of Chico. A rural park in an urban setting, Bidwell Park offers an amazing diversity of birds throughout the year. It is the perfect place for both the experienced and novice birdwatcher to learn about and enjoy the birds so near and dear to us.
Presenter: Roger Lederer
Bats and Bat Box Building
After learning some fascinating bat facts join Bob and Jackie as they help you construct your very own bat box to take home, put up, and start attracting these amazing creatures to your property. Learn the best location to place your box as well as interesting facts on the benefits of providing these roosting spots.
Presenter: Jackie Ferrier and Bob Guzman
Armchair Tour of Feather River Canyon Wildlife
Enjoy glimpses of the spectacular scenery and abundant wildlife found within the Feather River Canyon without ever leaving the comfort of your chair. Experience the beautiful colors and patterns of nature that Rex has captured on film. This presentation is sure to entice you into visiting the Feather River Canyon
Presenter: Rex Burress
Raptor ID and Falconry
Enjoy a PowerPoint slide presentation featuring raptors of the northern Sacramento Valley. Field identification, characteristics, unique habits, fascinating facts, and curious myths about these beautiful birds of prey will be discussed. Learn why birds of prey have been revered in history and folklore for thousands of years. Falconry has been a part of history for more than 4,000 years. Beginning as a means of hunting wild game, it has been the sport of kings and the icon of a complex social cast system. Participants will see live birds and the equipment used in modern and historic falconry. View an exciting PowerPoint slide presentation of falconry being practiced in the field
Presenter: Andy Wahl
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
Birds of Sierra Valley and Yuba Pass
Perhaps one of the most accessible and varied birding experiences can be found in the corridor along Hwy 49 from Sierra City to Sierra Valley. In a relatively short distance of 25 miles a birder can experience a variety of habitats from mixed oak/coniferous forest to lodgepole/red fir and high altitude fresh marshes where you’ll see bird species like Western Tanager, Evening Grosbeak, Black-backed and Lewis’ Woodpecker, Calliope Hummingbird, Mountain Bluebird, Townsend’s Solitaire, Hermit Warbler, Green-tailed Towhee, Yellow-headed Blackbird, Black Tern, and Golden Eagle. Mac will give you a snapshot of these exciting Sierran birds along with suggestions for identifying the more difficult to identify species.
Presenter: Mac McCormick
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