Home :: Past Festivals :: 12th Annual Snow Goose Festival :: Field Trips: Sunday, Jan. 30

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

"All About Raptors" Workshop/Field Trip - SOLD OUT!

$25 Adult ; $10 Youth
7:00 am - 1:00 pm
Meet at CSU Chico Vertebrate Museum
Walking, could involve distance but largely flat

The Northern Sacramento Valley attracts some 14 different raptor species during the cold winter months. January is one of the best months for raptor viewing in Butte County. We will begin our day with a Raptor ID Workshop sponsored by the Chico State Birding Club. The workshop will be held at CSU Chico’s Vertebrate Museum using museum skins and other tools. From there, we will caravan down Hwy 99, south of Chico, to practice our newfound identification skills on as many of these birds of prey as we can. Target species include Bald Eagle, Ferruginous Hawk, Merlin, Prairie Falcon, and more. Dress for very cold weather, bring a scope if you have it, and binoculars are a MUST! You may also want to bring snacks and water/hot drinks. We will carpool as much as possible.

Field Trip Leaders: Dawn Garcia and Michelle Ocken and Abby Rizzo and Ninette Daniele

Oxidation Ponds Wildlife Sanctuary & Indian Fishery

$19 Adult ; $7 Youth
7:30 am - 12:00 pm
Meet at Chico Masonic Family Center
Walking, could involve distance but largely flat

This field trip will visit two of Chico’s best birding sites. First we will explore the newly finished Oxidation Ponds Wildlife Sanctuary at the City of Chico Wastewater Treatment Plant. We’ll spend a couple of hours walking the levees around the ponds where we hope to find many species of migrating waterfowl as well as resident birds and mammals. We will then go over to the Indian Fishery Day Use Area of Bidwell-Sacramento River State Park. There the half mile trail winds through an oak woodland forest adjacent to an oxbow lake. Woodpeckers abound along with many other woodland and aquatic birds. If we are lucky we may also see River Otter, Beaver and Pond Turtles.

Field Trip Leader: Mike Fisher

Sutter Buttes Hike -- Mid-Mountain

$42 Adult ; $35 Youth
7:30 am - 4:00 pm
Meet at Gridley McDonalds
More vigorous hiking, some elevation gain/loss

On this 5-mile hike into the Sutter Buttes we’ll visit secluded locations revealing the Buttes' geologic formation, Native American presence, old pioneer home sites, and ecology typical of California's past. This hike is moderately brisk. Wear sturdy hiking shoes, dress in layers, and bring lunch and water.

Field Trip Leaders: Marty Steidlemayer and Mike Hubbartt

Sutter Buttes Hike -- Summit Ascent

$42 Adult ; $35 Youth
7:30 am - 4:00 pm
Meet at Gridley McDonalds
A true adventure trip, lots of driving and hiking

This hike traverses essentially the same terrain as the Mid Mountain Hike but adds an additional half-mile 1000 ft. elevation gain. The last half mile-is quite strenuous. Wear sturdy hiking shoes, dress in layers, and bring lunch and water.

Field Trip Leaders: Marty Steidlemayer and Mike Hubbartt

Paskenta's C & R Ranch -SOLD OUT!

$25 Adult ; $10 Youth
8:00 am - 2:00 pm
Meet at Chico Masonic Family Center
More vigorous hiking, some elevation gain/loss

Lying 17 miles west of Corning on the eastern edge of the foothills of the Yolla Bolly range, the C&R Ranch is characterized by its highly varied terrain and habitat. Open grassland covers the benches and south-facing slopes while Blue Oak woodland dominates the ravines and north sides of the hills. Riparian cottonwoods and willows line Thomes Creek on the southern edge of the ranch. The riparian vegetation, grasslands, and oak woodlands support a rich and varied migratory and resident population of birds. The oaks attract several species of woodpeckers. The Lewis's Woodpecker forms large flocks in the tall oaks at the Paskenta Cemetery. Western Bluebirds and Western Meadowlarks dominate the woodland and grassland. Bald Eagles, Golden Eagles, and Osprey occasionally patrol the waterways. The pond is winter refuge to several species of ducks and Great Blue Heron. Titmouse, jays, juncos, and many other species scour the tree limbs or inhabit the understory of the oak woods.

Lunch will be provided by C&R Ranch owners Roy and Charlotte Ekland for up to 20 participants. The ranch has only a few trails or paths. Participants should wear sturdy hiking shoes and be prepared to ascend and descend steep slopes.

Field Trip Leader: Phil Johnson

Photography at Sac Refuge

$19 Adult ; $7 Youth
8:00 am - 12:00 pm
Meet at Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge
Walking, could involve distance but largely flat

Come to the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge for a morning of photography. Although concentrating on photographing birds, be prepared to take scenic and close-up photos. Topics such as where to photograph on the refuge, lighting considerations, using long lenses, and composing photographs will be discussed. Participants should bring a film or digital camera, wide angle and telephoto (minimum 200mm with 1.4X teleconverter) lenses, and tripod.

Field Trip Leader: Steve Emmons

Rio Vista, Woodson Bridge & Olive Tour - SOLD OUT!

$25 Adult ; $7 Youth
8:00 am - 2:30 pm
Meet at Chico Masonic Family Center
Walking, could involve distance but largely flat

Winter birds, the river and olives! What a combination to experience and only at the Snow Goose Festival. First, join Dave and David as they take you to the Rio Vista Unit of Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge Complex and the Woodson Bridge State Recreation Area to search for the winter birds that take advantage of these healthy habitat areas along the Sacramento River. You’ll hike a 2-mile flat trail through Rio Vista Unit in riparian woodland and stroll through towering oaks, sycamores, and cottonwoods at Woodson Bridge SRA. These places are a winter haven to Bald Eagles, woodpeckers, thrushes, sparrows, wrens, finches, and owls. Then after your morning of birding, take the short trip into Corning to the Lucero Olive Oil’s newly opened tasting room (www.lucerooliveoil.com). Once there you will be given a mill tour and have the opportunity to taste several of their award-winning olive oils and their unique olive oil ice cream sundae. Wear good walking/hiking shoes, and bring lunch, water, and binoculars.

Field Trip Leaders: Dave Tinker and David O'Keefe

Birding In Paradise!

$19 Adult ; $7 Youth
8:15 am - 2:00 pm
Meet at Chico Masonic Family Center
Walking, could involve distance but largely flat

See the birds of Paradise! Follow Gaylord as you walk lower Paradise’s bike path to view oak woodland birds. We should see Spotted Towhees along with Red-breasted Sapsuckers, and Downy, Nuttall’s, and Acorn Woodpeckers. We will then travel on up the hill to DeSabla Reservoir (depending on weather) where sightings of Bald Eagles, Wood Ducks, Canada Geese, nuthatches, chickadees, and mergansers are common. This trip also includes a stop at the Wulberns for refreshments and viewing birds at their feeders.

Field Trip Leader: Gaylord Grams

Llano Seco Viewing Platform -- Dabbling, Diving & Soaring

$19 Adult ; $7 Youth
8:30 am - 12:30 pm
Meet at Chico Masonic Family Center
Walking, could involve distance but largely flat Wheelchair accessible

See Saturday’s Llano Seco Viewing Platform description -- this is a repeat of Saturday’s field trip.

Field Trip Leader: Shelly Kirn

Hiking Tour of Riparian Restoration Sites

$24 Adult ; $7 Youth
8:30 am - 2:00 pm
Meet at Chico Masonic Family Center
More vigorous hiking, some elevation gain/loss

Enjoy a day out walking among three riparian restoration sites along the Sacramento River.  We will do a loop hike starting at the Sul Norte Unit of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service near Butte City and hike to California Department of Fish and Game's Beehive Bend Unit.  The approximately 4 mile level hike offers great views of Sacramento River riparian restorations of different ages and an opportunity to view winter wildlife.  Come learn about river and restoration processes, habitat structure, and wildlife benefits as you get a close-up view of the dramatic transformation taking place on these sites.  The hike will focus on habitat needs and use by riparian songbirds, but in these dynamic systems you never know what you might see.  Good walking shoes are a must, and binoculars are highly recommended. Bring water and a lunch.

Field Trip Leader: Michael Rogner

Feather River's Bedrock Park

$19 Adult ; $7 Youth
8:45 am - 12:30 pm
Meet at Chico Masonic Family Center
Walking, could involve distance but largely flat

The main attraction of this leisurely walk at Bedrock Park is the diving duck population that frequents this stretch of the Feather River. Bufflehead, Ruddy Duck, Common Merganser, and goldeneyes can be seen doing their courtship and bonding displays. The riparian habitat support many species of wintering songbirds and waterfowl as well as Beaver, River Otter, Raccoon, Muskrat and Wild Turkey.

Field Trip Leaders: Darhl Whitlock and Leroy Hord

Beginning Birding by Ear

$19 Adult ; $7 Youth
9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Meet at Chico Masonic Family Center
Walking, could involve distance but largely flat

For those already somewhat familiar with our native local species, the skill of identifying birds by their vocalizations adds a wonderful new level of enjoyment to any outdoor outing. Join avid ear-birder Scott Huber for a morning of listening to and learning some audio clues for IDing bird songs and calls in the field. Scott will also make recommendations for CD’s and computer programs to assist you in learning this exciting skill. Some listening and recording equipment used in Greg Weddig's California Soundscapes workshop will be along on this trip.

Participants may wish to take the 9 am - California Soundscapes Workshop on Saturday, January 29 that complements this field trip.

Field Trip Leaders: Scott Huber and Greg Weddig

Falcons and Falconry

$20 Adult ; $7 Youth
9:00 am - 11:00 am
Meet at Chico Masonic Family Center
Walking, could involve distance but largely flat

On this field trip, you will have the opportunity to see falconry in action. Falconry is a traditional method of hunting with trained birds of prey. The field trip will begin with a short drive to a large open area. Falconry as a field sport will be discussed and equipment of this ancient art form will be displayed, along with live raptors. The trip will culminate with a live flying raptor display.

Field Trip Leader: Andy Wahl

Bird & Bike with Chico Velo

$30 Adult ; $20 Youth
10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Meet at Chico Masonic Family Center
A true adventure trip, lots of driving and hiking

Join the Chico Velo Club for this 3 to 4 hour flat bike ride out to the Indian Fishery Day Use Area of Bidwell-Sacramento River State Park, with a return stop at the Oxidation Ponds Wildlife Sanctuary, both great birding spots. Riders should have a reliable and safe bicycle. Helmets will be required for all riders. Chico Velo will provide snacks during the trip. Please bring your own water.

Field Trip Leaders: Bill Haas and Rodney Cox

Hidden Wetlands & "World of Trees"

$12 Adult ; $5 Youth
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Meet at Chico Masonic Family Center
Walking, could involve distance but largely flat

Bring the family and explore these hidden wetlands on a discovery hike through one of Chico’s best-kept secrets, Teichert Ponds. These ponds are an urban oasis for wildlife in the midst of development, hosting Wood Ducks, Osprey, herons, egrets, and more. After the ponds, we will head over to Chico’s original forestry station, the "World of Trees" trail in nearby Bidwell Park, and bird the rich riparian habitat. Wear long pants for blackberry bushes and shoes appropriate for mud.

Field Trip Leaders: Jon Aull and Dick Cory

Wing-It to the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge

$19 Adult ; $7 Youth
1:30 pm - 5:00 pm
Meet at Chico Masonic Family Center
Walking, could involve distance but largely flat

The "winging-it" part of this trip is where the fun starts! We’ll veer off the beaten path as we bird along our way to the refuge. At the refuge we’ll view the dioramas and pick-up a wildlife checklist. Then we are off to a leisurely adventure around the auto tour loop to possibly see thousands of birds. You can expect to see Snow Geese, Northern Pintail, Cinnamon Teal, Ring-necked Duck, wigeon, raptors, and possibly a Bald Eagle.

Field Trip Leader: Michael Denega