Home : Past Snow Goose Festivals : Field Trips: Friday, Jan. 23

10th Annual Snow Goose Festival: January 22-25, 2009
Field Trips: Friday, Jan. 23

 

Field Trip Leader 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.

A special note about Field Trips

Mostly birding by car and/or easy walking Mostly birding by car and/or easy walking
Walking, could involve distance but largely flat Walking, could involve distance but largely flat
More vigorous hiking, some elevation gain/loss More vigorous hiking, some elevation gain/loss
A true adventure trip, lots of driving and hiking A true adventure trip, lots of driving and hiking
Wheelchair accessible Wheelchair accessible

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. Most field trips will be limited to the first 20 reservations. After that, a waiting list will be generated by calling our office. Walk-in registration may be available for some events during the weekend of the Festival, but cannot be guaranteed, and there will be an “at the door” charge.

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 50F to 65F.

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 below 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.
  • Bring binoculars or a scope for a better viewing experience.
  • Bring water on long outings to stay hydrated.
  • Bring 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.

Oroville Big Day Birding - CBC Circle and Beyond

$20 Adult; $7 Youth; Limit 10 people
6:30 am - 3 pm
Meet at Chico Park-n-Ride
Mostly birding by car and/or easy walking

Days have absolutely no redeeming value what so-ever, but that they can be really exciting! Join our Big Day Team as we pursue the species tallied on the recent Oroville Christmas Bird Count (CBC).Our itinerary will take us on a whirlwind tour of key hotspots within and just outside the Circle. We will visit a range of habitats to optimize bird diversity, and focus on any reported rarities. Group size will be modest so that all participants can fully enjoy the chase! Limit 10 people.

Field Trip Leaders: Brad Stovall and Mike Skram

Sutter Buttes – Dean Ranch

$45 Adult; $40 Youth; Limit 15 people
7:30 am - 4 pm
Meet at the Waffle Shop in Live Oak
More vigorous hiking, some elevation gain/loss

Enjoy a three mile walk to visit the 100 year old Dean Cattle Ranch. This trip will focus primarily on bird watching with hopes of seeing Golden Eagles, Phainopeplas and Rufous-crowned Sparrows so bring binoculars along with lunch and water. Limit 15 people.

Field Trip Leader: Peter Sands

Colusa National Wildlife Refuge

$20 Adult; $7 Youth
9 am – 2 pm
Meet at Chico Masonic Family Center
Mostly birding by car and/or easy walking

Wildlife, wintering waterfowl and nature photography are exceptional at Colusa National Wildlife Refuge, especially along the three-mile gravel auto tour, one-mile trail and at their new observation deck. With over 4500 acres of wetlands, seasonal marshes, and uplands the refuge supports wintering populations of more than 200,000 ducks and 100,000 geese. Spectacular flights of Snow and Ross’s geese along with thousands of Pintail, Green-winged Teal, Mallard, Gadwall, and Shovelers can be seen in the marshes.

Field Trip Leader: Mike Peters

Sacramento Refuge Fly-Off

$20 Adult; $7 Youth
12:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Meet at Chico Masonic Family Center
Walking, could involve distance but largely flat

Leaving Chico in the early afternoon will give us plenty of time to stop and look for geese, swans, and cranes on our way to the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge. We will arrive at the Refuge in time to witness thousands of birds silhouetted against the sunset sky as they leave the refuge all at once in their spectacular ‘fly-off’. Dress warmly. Photographers are welcome and encouraged to bring their equipment.

Field Trip Leader: Steve Emmons

Family Owl Prowl

$10 Adult; $5 Youth
7 pm – 8:30 pm
Meet at the Chico Creek Nature Center
Mostly birding by car and/or easy walking

This family-oriented field trip offers a unique glimpse into the amazing nocturnal world of owls. The Prowl, a leisurely hike into Bidwell Park, will start and end at the Chico Creek Nature Center. Dress warm and bring a flashlight.

Field Trip Leader: Scott Toricelli