Home :: Past Festivals :: 12th Annual Snow Goose Festival :: Pre-Festival Field Trip: Thursday, Jan. 27

12th Annual Snow Goose Festival: January 27-30, 2011
Pre-Festival Field Trip: Thursday, Jan. 27

Marathon Big Day Birding - SOLD OUT!

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

Beginning Birding at Chico's Oxidation Ponds Wildlife Sanctuary

Get a good start to birding basics by heading to the newly reopened Chico Wastewater Treatment Plant. Seasoned birders know that community sewage ponds are universally considered "hot spots" for birding, and the Chico plant is no exception. We’ll use the new "mud free" walkway around the ponds to access the new wetlands with recently planted native vegetation. Birds likely to be seen include a wide variety of waterfowl, raptors, egrets, herons, Belted Kingfishers, and many other wetland species. Bring binoculars and a bird field guide. This trip is offered again on Saturday.

Field Trip Leader: Mary Muchowski

Sutter Buttes -- Peace Valley with Yuba Historical Society --CANCELED!! $35 Adult ; $25 Youth 8:30 am - 3:00 pm Meet at Live Oak Park & Swimming Pool Enjoy a birdwatching 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. Field Trip Leader: Daniel Barth

Historic Llano Seco Rancho -- Wildlife and Habitat Conservation - SOLD OUT!

This is a "behind the gates" opportunity to visit the historic Llano Seco Rancho 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 ranch's 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 our 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 - SOLD OUT!

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: Dawn Garcia and Mike Fisher