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: "Say Cheese" Photography and Local Creamery
- Sold Out!
$50 Adult; $25 Youth
Friday, Jan 24, 2025 7:30 am - 2:00 pm
Meet at Patrick Ranch - Pat's Barn (Map)
Walking, could involve distance but largely flat
Description
This trip will begin with a quick stop at the Llano Seco Wildlife Viewing Platform on our way out to the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge near Willows where we will hear a presentation from skilled local photographers (including Joan Robins, Suji Roland, Pamela Waldsmith and Marc Hallet) in the brand-new Visitor Center. After we learn some tips and tricks for wildlife photography, we will go out and capture photos of the diverse and abundant wildlife that call the refuge home in the winter. On our way back to Patrick Ranch, we will stop by the Sierra Nevada Creamery on Blue Gum Road to sample some of the tasty cheese produced at this local creamery.Sponsored by Friends of Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge. Carpooling strongly encouraged.
Field Trip Leaders
John Seid
John Seid taught elementary school children for 35 years and made it a point to teach them about the wonders of our natural world and our place in this amazing world. Since we live in the Pacific Flyway, many units were done around birds that migrate here and also our local ones. John believes that if you know the name of something it brings you closer. He is an avid photographer, and you can find him all summer kayaking and all winter at the refuges around us with his faithful dog Lucy.
John Seid's Events
- Soils, Landforms & Vegetation of Bidwell Park (1/23/2025)
- "Say Cheese" Photography and Local Creamery (1/24/2025)
Joan Robins
Joan Robins has been a wildlife and nature photographer for over thirty years, traveling the world and exploring the nooks and crannies in nearby mountains, fields, and lakes. She has photographed Bald Eagles along the Sacramento River, Bushtits and Ruby-crowned Kinglets along the paths at the Indian Fisheries, Osprey and dancing Grebes at Black Butte Lake, and Sandhill Cranes at dawn at Llano Seco. The beauty of the natural world never loses its allure and nothing delights her more than sharing this beauty with others through her photographs.
Joan Robins's Events
- "Say Cheese" Photography and Local Creamery (1/24/2025)
Suji Roland
Growing up in a very rural part of England, Suji Rlandd spent his early years wandering the fields, woods and hills. As far back as he can remember, birds and animals were part of his life. When he discovered that his bike could take him just about anywhere, he wanted to capture the beauty of the intimate English landscape and so photography became part of his life. With the advent of digital camera technology, wildlife photography has become much more accessible, and he has strived to capture my love of nature through this medium. Living here in Northern California, capturing everyday moments of natural wonder has become his abiding passion - and he is always ready to help others achieve their photographic goals.
Suji Roland's Events
- "Say Cheese" Photography and Local Creamery (1/24/2025)
Pamela Waldsmith
Pamela is passionate about the natural world, photography, birding, hiking and pickleball. Having been an avid educator for 35 years, she enjoys sharing her interests by leading hikes and birding trips.
Pamela Waldsmith's Events
- "Say Cheese" Photography and Local Creamery (1/24/2025)
- Photography Along the Feather River (1/25/2025)
- Upper Bidwell Yahi Trail (1/26/2025)
Marc Hallet
Marc Hallet is an experienced naturalist and photographer.
Marc Hallet's Events
- "Say Cheese" Photography and Local Creamery (1/24/2025)