20th Annual Snow Goose Festival

Field Trip Leader Bios

Read all the biographies here.

A special note about Field Trips

Please arrive at the location indicated 30 minutes prior to your scheduled event. This will allow us time to check you in and ensure the trip leaves promptly. We ask that you follow your field trip leader from the meeting location to the final destination. Anyone arriving after the field trip leader has left may not be able to join the group. Most field trips will be limited to the first 20 reservations. Walk-in registration may be available for some events during the weekend of the Festival.

Weather may change a trip's itinerary, but most trips will be conducted rain or shine. The weather in the valley during January is variable. It is generally cold and sometimes rainy, with daytime highs ranging from 50F to 65F.

Be sure to bring the following on your field trips: rain gear, waterproof footwear, layered clothing, binoculars, camera, field identification guide, water and snack or lunch as needed. Please also check out the Tips & Etiquette below to help you enjoy your day to the fullest.

Tips & Etiquette for Bird Watchers

To make your trip more enjoyable for yourself and others, we ask you to please use these following etiquette tips:

Wear clothing suitable for the weather and area you'll be hiking in. It's practical to layer clothing to accommodate fluctuations in temperature. Wear comfortable shoes that have a good grip and are waterproof when necessary. You may want to take sunscreen, a hat or rain gear.
Bring binoculars or a scope for a better viewing experience.
Bring water on long outings to stay hydrated.
Bring a Field Guide if you are interested in learning more about the birds you see. If you are a beginning birder, look for a guide that specializes in birds of northern California.
Be courteous to other explorers. Stay with your group and pay attention to your trip leader. Walk quietly and slowly. Do not disrupt animals or damage their habitats (breaking branches, trampling vegetation). Turn off cell phones or other electronic devices. If you are taking children with you, explain to them proper etiquette before the trip. Always behave in a manner that will enhance the image of the birding communities in the eyes of the public.
Tune up your senses and listen carefully. Scan the horizon and tree canopies. Look to the ground for prints, feathers and other traces of wildlife. Please remove litter and leave natural items where they belong. This will keep it enjoyable for others when they visit.
No dogs or pets allowed on any Snow Goose Festival event, workshop, or program. Please leave Fido with friends or family and not in the car during a field trip.

Home :: Past Festivals :: 20th Annual Snow Goose Festival :: Field Trips :: Field Trip: Rancho Esquon with David Wimpfheimer

Field Trip: Rancho Esquon with David Wimpfheimer

$30 Adult; $12 Youth

Sunday, Jan 27, 2019 9:00 am - 1:00 pm

Meet at Chico Masonic Family Center (Map)

Walking, could involve distance but largely flat

Description

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 wildlife bunkhouse and receive a brief orientation about the diverse undertakings of this complex rice ranch. We will then head out to the visit the 1,000-acre restored wetland area, which offers views of high concentrations of waterfowl, raptors, and varied wildlife.

This trip is also offered on Friday with different leaders.

Field Trip Leaders

Shane Romain

Shane Romain is passionate about the outdoors and outdoor education. He was the Supervising Park Ranger for the City of Chico for the past nine years and is now the Park Services Coordinator. He teaches Parks and Natural Resources Management at CSUC and is the Coordinator of the Outdoor Education program at Rancho Esquon. Since he created the program at Rancho Esquon in 2008, over 7,000 students have been able to experience the wonder of our wetlands thanks to the generosity of the Hofmann Foundation and the Community Youth Center.

Shane Romain's Events

Rancho Esquon (1/25/2019)
Rancho Esquon with David Wimpfheimer (1/27/2019)

David Wimpfheimer

David Wimpfheimer is a professional naturalist, guide and biologist who is very passionate about our natural world. He has particular interests in birds and the natural history of the American West. Since earning a degree in Biology from Beloit College, David has studied seabirds and shorebirds in Alaska, raptors in Egypt and a variety of birds in Point Reyes and other regions of California. Since the mid-1980s, David has shared his extensive knowledge about all aspects of the natural world with hundreds of groups. His educational programs have focused on Point Reyes, Alaska, Arizona, Baja California, Yosemite, Death Valley and other parts of California. Although the majority of David’s field trips are geared toward teaching and interpreting birds and bird habitats, he is just as experienced and enthusiastic sharing the full diversity of the natural world. From whale watching expeditions to wildflower hikes, David's seasoned focus and knowledge make every outdoor visit memorable and enjoyable. For over thirty years he has worked for many organizations; the Smithsonian Institution, California Academy of Sciences, Point Reyes Field Institute, Road Scholar, Oceanic Society, Speyside Wildlife, and Wild Wings. Learn more at https://www.calnaturalist.com/.

David Wimpfheimer's Events

Historic Llano Seco Rancho -- Wildlife & Habitat Conservation with David Wimpfheimer (1/24/2019)
Birds & Wine with Purple Line with David Wimpfheimer (1/25/2019)
Vina Plains to Pine Creek & the River with David Wimpfheimer (1/26/2019)
Rancho Esquon with David Wimpfheimer (1/27/2019)