Home :: Past Festivals :: 12th Annual Snow Goose Festival :: Presentations/Workshops: Sunday, Jan. 30

12th Annual Snow Goose Festival: January 27-30, 2011
Presentations/Workshops: Sunday, Jan. 30

Drawing Waterfowl & Shorebirds for Adults

Waterfowl and shorebirds are great subjects to draw because they remain in the open for long periods and may rest quietly. Learn the basic shapes and methods for capturing the form and movement of shorebirds and waterfowl. We will look closely at the proportions and angles that make species distinct even in silhouette. Understand which critical details to check when you see a bird and master the one minute gesture sketch. Bring a sketch pad and pencil. This class is open to all experience levels.

Presenter: John "Jack" Muir Laws

Volcanoes of Lassen Volcanic National Park

This workshop is a great opportunity for educators, adults, and children ages ten and older to learn about some of the world’s most exciting active earth processes. Learn about the unique geologic features of this national park and how to identify the four major types of volcanoes using a variety of fun and creative techniques. Educational props, volcanic rocks, visual display, and other resources will be used to enhance this presentation.

Presenter: Steve Zachery

Beginning Birding for Kids

Introduce the kids to the wonderful world of birds! This workshop/field trip will focus on the basics of birding including bird anatomy and basic identification techniques. At the Nature Center each child will get a close-up view of some of the park’s avian residents. We will then venture into Bidwell Park to practice our new skills on the wild birds of the park. Bring field guides and binoculars if you have them. Binoculars will be available to loan if needed. Ages 7-12.

Presenter: Jon Aull

Ten Hearts of the Earthworm

They have five pairs of tiny beating hearts. But what makes earthworms precious, says Lin Jensen, is simply that they exist. Along with the Jesuit poet, Gerard Manley Hopkins, it’s Lin’s conviction that for all the abuse we humans have inflicted upon the earth, "nature is never spent; there still lives the dearest freshness of deep down things." From Lin's perspective, our redemption lies in recovering our own earthbound nature and in restoring the true heart of what it really means to be human. Join Zen master Lin in a talk and reading that explores the intimate connection between deep ecology and the Buddhist way of life.

Presenter: Lin Jensen

Drawing Songbirds and Raptors for Adults

How can you draw birds that move or even fly away? With a combination of understanding bird structure, knowing where to look when you see the bird, and a simple shorthand to get down the basics, anyone can quickly create accurate bird sketches in the field. Learn the basic shapes and methods for capturing the form and movement of songbirds and raptors. Learn tricks to quickly draw birds in the field and avoid anatomical pitfalls that creep into many bird drawings. Understand which critical details to check when you see a bird and master the one minute gesture sketch. Learn techniques for details such as heads and wings. Bring a sketch pad and pencil. This class is open to all experience levels.

Presenter: John "Jack" Muir Laws

Chico Backyard Birds

I never saw a bird like that in my backyard before, is it rare? What happened to that nice singer that spent most of the spring in my yard? I swear I saw a canary in my yard! Could it have escaped from a cage? Join Mac, who will give you tips on identifying some of Northern California’s birds that visit your backyard and explain why many of them seem to seasonally disappear. In addition, he will make suggestions regarding reference material to help you become a better backyard "birder."

Presenter: John "Mac" McCormick