Be prepared for an exciting and exhaustive quest to see the maximum number of northern California bird species possible between dawn and dusk! New this year is that we will be birding only Yuba County, so all of you County Listers may be able to change color! Yuba County features abundant rice and wetland areas in the lowlands and our adventure will take us up to 4,000 ft. elevation for montane species. We’ll start near Loma Rica where we’ll expect to see a wide variety of waterfowl including swans, geese, ducks, wading birds, shorebirds, and rails. In the rolling foothills we’ll watch for raptors and grassland species. In the mountains we’ll be on the lookout for grosbeaks, nuthatches, woodpeckers, and much more. Expect to see 80-100 species on this fun, fast-paced adventure! Bring lunch, water, and binoculars. Limit: 15 people, four vehicles. (Please be prepared to car-pool.)

Field Trip Leader: Scott Huber

We will explore some of the grasslands favored in winter by Ferruginous, Rough-legged and Red-tailed Hawks, and Bald and Golden Eagles. On this trip we will not just tick off birds, but we will study hunting behaviors, and plumage differences. With binoculars and spotting scopes, we will pay attention to structural differences between species and discuss why some raptors have special features. Why do some raptors and not others have feathered legs? By the end of the trip, everybody will know and appreciate more about each species. Carpooling is mandatory to keep number of vehicles to a minimum (5 vehicle limit). Minivans welcomed.

Field Trip Leader: Bruce Webb, Swarovski Optik Field Tech

Just a short drive outside Durham, along the roadways bordering Rancho Esquon, multitudes of Snow Geese, Greater White-fronted Geese, and Sandhill Cranes can usually be seen right from your vehicle! Bald Eagles are occasionally spotted perched in the snags along the agricultural wetlands. Upon arrival at Rancho Esquon, we will visit the viewing platform which offers a spectacular view of the surrounding wetlands with a high concentration of ducks. We will also be visiting the egg hatching facility as we learn about the diverse undertakings of this complex rice ranch. This trip is also offered on Sunday.

Field Trip Leaders: Herman Gray and Rick Wulbern and Shane Romain

Gray Lodge Wildlife Area is one of the premier winter birding areas in Northern Sacramento Valley. With its varied habitats, flat hiking trails, viewing hides, and a 3-mile auto loop, viewing the million plus ducks, hundreds of thousands of Snow and Ross's Geese, and raptors galore will be spectacular! Then we'll take a short drive to Cordi Winery, nestled at the base of the Sutter Buttes, for some wine tasting and R & R after your big day of birding. Bring snacks, lunch, water, a field guide, and binoculars. Dress for the winter weather and wear hiking shoes or boots.

Field Trip Leaders: Mary Muchowski and Matt Forster

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. This trip is also offered on Friday.

Field Trip Leader: Steve Emmons

This hike along the north side of the Afterbay reservoir offers a great mix of habitat including open water, rice fields, short grass plains, back-bays, and marsh. We hope to see waterfowl including Canvasback, goldeneyes, and grebes; raptors such as Prairie Falcon, Ferruginous Hawk, and Bald Eagle; and Burrowing and Short-eared Owls. Lots of open sky views. Bring food, good hiking gear, and all-weather clothing.

Field Trip Leader: Andy Tomaselli

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 a variety of raptors. 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, Sandhill Cranes, 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 Leader: Joe Silveira

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, chairs, warm clothes, cameras, and snacks or hot drinks. This field trip is limited to 10 participants. Rain cancels this event only. All other Snow Goose Festival events go on as scheduled, rain or shine.

Field Trip Leader: Northern Saw-whet Owl Monitoring Team

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, chairs, warm clothes, cameras, and snacks or hot drinks. This field trip is limited to 10 participants. Rain cancels this event only. All other Snow Goose Festival events go on as scheduled, rain or shine.

Field Trip Leader: Northern Saw-whet Owl Monitoring Team