10th Annual Snow Goose Festival: January 22-25, 2009
Special Free Attractions: Live Animals – Nature – Crafts – Fun for the Whole Family!

The Great Horned Owl.

Come see how duck decoys materialize from a square piece of wood! Ongoing carving demonstrations will be taking place in the main hall.

Want to try making your own decoy? Join master carvers for an introductory workshop. Space is limited and a material fee will be collected. Pre-register with Jim Burcio at (925) 754-4978 to enroll in this workshop. No charge for viewing. (see complete workshop description in Saturday, January 24 Workshop page)

Touch a snake or get close to a lizard! Join Department of Fish and Game’s Steve Brightwell as he shares very interesting facts about some of Butte County’s most amazing reptiles.

Meet “Checkers” a Great Horned Owl as Marilyn shares some fascinating facts, unique habits, and curious myths about these beautiful birds of prey. Learn about wildlife rehabilitation and what you can do to help native wildlife. A surprise visit by other raptors is sure to delight all ages.

Learn the basics about Binoculars and Spotting Scopes for bird watching.  What do the numbers mean? Isn't higher power always better? This 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.

Enjoy a power-point presentation featuring raptors of the northern Sacramento Valley. Birds of prey have been revered in history and folklore for thousands of years and used in the ancient sport of falconry. See live falcons and view the equipment used with these exciting birds of prey.

Local duck callers will be available for training and coaching before the contest. This is for youth up to 16 years old. Calls will be available for youths.

Smokey the Bear and the National Wildlife Refuge’s Blue Goose will be visiting at various times courtesy of the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge. Also be sure to visit the US Fish & Wildlife Service fire safety exhibit booth.

All 100 California winners from nearly 2,000 entries, will be on display. Don’t forget to see the Chico winners.

Naturalists of all ages are invited to learn bird identification, make a birdcall and much more! Nature crafts and other special activities will be taking place throughout the weekend! Get banded like a bird! Kids will be banded like a bird and learn firsthand what the experience is like.

Over 30 exhibits and displays by County, City, State, Federal, and many Non-profit organizations. Plus vendors selling everything from binoculars to bird feeders.

This year we will feature an eclectic assortment of interesting maps from around the North Valley and beyond. Get the bird’s eye view of our local landscape features. Stroll through and let your curiosity take you on a tour.