Field Trip Leader Bios
Read all the biographies here.
A special note about Field Trips
Please arrive at the location indicated 20 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. 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.
Field Trip: Paddle the Thermalito Afterbay
- Sold Out!
$65 Adult; $40 Youth
Saturday, Jan 27, 2024 9:30 am - 1:30 pm
Meet at Forebay Aquatic Center (Map)
More vigorous hiking, some elevation gain/loss
Description
Participants will meet at 9:30am at the Forebay Aquatic Center, and be on the water from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm, with experienced guides who are familiar with the abundant and diverse wildlife. These ecological tours will educate flat-water boaters on safe boating practices and the ecology of the area.
There are 15 seats available in either a single or tandem sit-on-top or sit-in kayaks.
Guests will be provided with all boating equipment and fundamental paddling instruction for novice to experienced. Guests are advised to bring appropriately warm and waterproof clothing, camera and binoculars. Located about six miles southwest of the city of Oroville, Thermalito Afterbay is an off stream reservoir which is one of Butte County's hot birding spots for winter waterfowl and raptors.
This paddle is not for novice paddlers. More open water and longer distance expected. Trip is appropriate for ages 8 and up with an adult in a double kayak. and are a low impact, physically active, great way to view the wildlife and migratory waterfowl prominent during this time. Bring lunch and water as we will have a lunch break on an island.Paddle field trips are also offered on Friday morning 9:30am - 12:00pm, and 12:00 pm - 2:30pm at the North Forebay.
Field Trip Leaders
Jon Aull
Jon Aull received his master's degree studying parks and natural resources in the recreation department at Chico State. He is currently the outdoor education coordinator for the Big Chico Creek Ecological Reserve, and has worked as a naturalist along the creek for 20 years.
Jon Aull's Events
- Up the Creek with a Pair of Binoculars (BCCER) (1/25/2024)
- Paddle the Thermalito Afterbay (1/27/2024)
- Birds & Trees of Butte Creek Ecological Preserve (1/28/2024)
Brad Cooke
Brad Cooke has a California Chico State University degree in Recreation Administration. Since 1999, he has been an associate faculty at Butte Community College in outdoor education and has worked for 25 years in Butte County supporting natural history, native ways, and environmental education with an appreciation and knowledge for the hidden gems in Northern California. He has been a consultant for National Wildlife Refuges and an education programs director throughout Northern California. He has served as an experiential educator for thousands of students and teachers throughout Northern California. Brad is a eco-tour and raft guide with a huge variety of knowledge on our amazing North State.
Brad Cooke's Events
- Paddle the North Forebay (1/26/2024)
- Paddle the North Forebay (1/26/2024)
- Paddle the Thermalito Afterbay (1/27/2024)
Tess McGuire
Tess McGuire has been birding and making hats for the last twenty years. She became an avid kayaker when she bought a house on Clear Lake. Now that she lives near Mendocino she paddles the local rivers and birds the coast. Perhaps some day she'll be brave enough to go out on the ocean.
Tess McGuire's Events
- Book Family Farms & Llano Seco Viewing Platform (1/26/2024)
- Paddle the North Forebay (1/26/2024)
- Paddle the Thermalito Afterbay (1/27/2024)
- Gray Lodge & Cordi Winery (1/28/2024)