Home :: Past Festivals :: 12th Annual Snow Goose Festival :: Field Trips: Friday, Jan. 28

12th Annual Snow Goose Festival: January 27-30, 2011
Field Trip: Friday, Jan. 29

Bird the Shores of Black Butte Lake $24 Adult ; $7 Youth 7:30 am - 2:00 pm Meet at Chico Masonic Family Center Situated on the west side of the upper Sacramento Valley, Black Butte Lake is surrounded by beautiful dark volcanic buttes. Come explore the backwaters and woodlands this lake has to offer and see Pied-billed Grebes, Belted Kingfisher, Bonaparte's Gulls, goldeneyes, Clark’s and Western Grebes. Stop along the roads and see Wild Turkeys, Mountain Bluebirds, Red-tailed Hawks, and Turkey Vultures. Lewis’s Woodpeckers, and Golden and Bald Eagles winter in this area too. Bring a lunch and drink. Field Trip Leader: Phil Johnson

Sutter Buttes Hike -- Dean Ranch $42 Adult ; $35 Youth 7:30 am - 4:00 pm Meet at Waffle Shop Live Oak Enjoy a three mile walk to visit the 100 year old Dean Place 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

Sutter Buttes Hike - State Park's Peace Valley

Explore California State Park's Peace Valley in the Sutter Buttes. It will be like stepping back in time as you learn about Peace Valley's natural and cultural history. We will visit a Native American site used for grinding acorns. As we traverse this incredible valley, we will learn the interesting geological processes that formed it. This is an undeveloped area, so wear comfortable walking shoes or boots. Bring a sack lunch and beverage. This trip is also offered on Saturday.

Field Trip Leader: Ranger Zack Chambers

Digiscoping Workshop/Field Trip

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 at the Chico Creek Nature Center to help you make some preliminary camera settings. Then we will step outside and get some bird photos. Bruce Webb, Field Technician for Swarovski Optik, 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. We will spend about 3 hours. Optional: for those wanting more we can travel to Llano Seco platform on Seven Mile Lane and practice our new digiscoping skills on waterfowl.

Field Trip Leader: Bruce Webb, Swarovski Optik

Colusa National Wildlife Refuge $24 Adult ; $7 Youth 8:30 am - 2:00 pm Meet at Chico Masonic Family Center 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 Geese and Ross’ Geese along with thousands of Northern Pintail, Green-winged Teal, Mallard, Gadwall, and Northern Shovelers can be seen in the marshes. Field Trip Leader: Mike Peters

Gray Lodge Wildlife Area - SOLD OUT! $24 Adult ; $7 Youth 9:00 am - 2:00 pm Meet at Chico Masonic Family Center Enjoy a leisurely stroll and great introduction to the birding opportunities at the Gray Lodge Wildlife Area, one of the premier birding spots in northern California. Walk to the viewing platform and visit the viewing ‘hides’. We will also drive the three mile auto tour route. Birds likely to be seen include a wide variety of waterfowl (including Snow Geese), raptors, egrets, herons, Belted Kingfishers, and many other wetland species. Field Trip Leader: Mary Muchowski

Bird Sketching Field Trip for Adults - SOLD OUT!

How can field sketching help us become more observant birders? John Muir Laws will lead us on a bird walk while also demonstrating how scientific illustration and quick field sketches can help develop the eye’s ability to see nature. Jack will also give us tips for quickly catching the shape and color of birds in the wild. The goal is not to create a pretty picture, but to help make us more observant while documenting our birding experiences. No previous drawing experience is necessary. Bring a sketch pad and pencil. This class is open to all experience levels.

Field Trip Leader: John "Jack" Muir Laws

Sacramento Refuge Fly-Off - SOLD OUT!

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 $12 Adult ; $5 Youth 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm Meet at Chico Creek Nature Center 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