Home : Field Trips : Pre-Festival Field Trip: Thursday, Jan. 28

11th Annual Snow Goose Festival: January 28-31, 2010
Pre-Festival Field Trip: Thursday, Jan. 28

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.

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

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. 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.

Marathon Big Day Birding

$22 Adult ; $7 Youth
6:30 am - 5:30 pm
Meet at Chico Park-n-Ride
A true adventure trip, lots of driving and hiking

Be prepared for an exciting and exhaustive quest to see the maximum number of northern California bird species possible between dawn and dusk! We’ll go high for species like Evening Grosbeak and Varied Thrush. At mid-elevation we’ll watch for California Thrasher and Golden Eagle. In the plains we expect Ferruginous and Rough-Legged Hawks and we’ll go low for Eurasian Wigeon and other rare waterfowl. Expect more than 100 species on this fun, fast-paced adventure! Bring lunch, water, and binoculars

Field Trip Leader: Scott Huber

Sutter Buttes -- Peace Valley

$32 Adult ; $25 Youth
8:30 am - 3:00 pm
Meet at Live Oak Park & Swimming Pool
More vigorous hiking, some elevation gain/loss

Enjoy a bird-watching stroll through Peace Valley with the Yuba Historical Society. We will take full advantage of the Sutter Buttes varied habitats as we amble through an open savannah and sneak around numerous springs. Anticipate seeing Phainopeplas and Varied Thrushes. Bald Eagles like to make this portion of the Buttes their roosting grounds in winter. Bring binoculars, lunch, water and warm clothing. Limit 30 people.

Field Trip Leader: Daniel Barth

Historic Llano Seco Rancho -- Wildlife and Habitat Conservation

$17 Adult ; $7 Youth
3:30 pm - 6:30 pm
Meet at Chico Creek Nature Center
Mostly birding by car and/or easy walking

This is a "behind the gates" opportunity to visit the historic Llano Seco Ranch where thousands of acres are set aside for wildlife habitat and conservation. Habitats include riparian forests of the Sacramento River and Little Chico Creek, Valley oak woodlands and savannas, native and annual grasslands, vernal pool and freshwater marsh wetlands. These habitats attract wintering waterfowl and sandhill cranes, as well as raptors including bald eagle and peregrine falcon. We’ll hear about the Ranches' rich natural and cultural histories, its wildlife habitats and wildlife-friendly farming practices. A field trip will wind through the oaks to visit a restored valley oak savanna, where we will stretch are legs before heading to the marsh to scout-out waterfowl and other wildlife.

Dress warmly, bring a warm beverage, and do bring your binoculars -- we may have a chance to see hundreds of wintering ducks, geese and sandhill cranes! This tour leaves the Ranch after dark.

Field Trip Leaders: Richard Thieriot and Joe Silveira

Owl Banding and Survey

$17 Adult ; $7 Youth
5:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Meet at Chico Park-n-Ride
Walking, could involve distance but largely flat

This is a rare chance to observe an owl research project. We will use mist nets and an audio lure to try and capture Northern Saw-whet Owls. We also hope to detect Western Screech, Northern Pygmy, and Great Horned Owls by their calls. Bring headlamps or flashlights. This field trip is limited to 12 participants.

Field Trip Leaders: Mike Fisher and Dawn Garcia