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: Feather River Parkway
$30 Adult; $20 Youth
Thursday, Jan 22, 2026 8:30 am - 12:30 pm
Meet at Patrick Ranch - Pat's Barn (Map)
Walking, could involve distance but largely flat
Description
This trip highlights winter birdlife along the Feather River, with a particular opportunity to observe the variety of gull species that gather here. The Parkway is one of the best inland spots in the region to see multiple gull species side-by-side, making it a great location for learning and relaxed comparison. We will also watch for mergansers, waterfowl, herons, and raptors hunting the river corridor. We will walk from the observation platform toward Bedrock Park at a slow, observation-focused pace. If time allows, we may extend the trip to Riverbend Park to look for wintering sparrows and other riparian species. Total walking distance is approximately 2-3 miles on mostly level paved and gravel surfaces. The trip will conclude with an optional no-host lunch at The Union on Montgomery Street in Oroville. Carpooling strongly encouraged.
Field Trip Leaders
Karen Von Bargen
Karen has been watching birds since early childhood, when her grandmother gave her a well-worn Golden Guide and the invitation to notice what the world offers. She has observed birds in places ranging from Antarctic waters to Arctic tundra, but her favorite moments are the quiet ones spent simply being present on the landscape.
Karen Von Bargen's Events
- Feather River Parkway (1/22/2026)
- Feather River Birds and Bath House (1/23/2026)
- Raptor Run - Monument Hill & More (1/25/2026)
Bree Aichele
Bree has spent the years chasing birds across California, following curiosity and the promise of a memorable sighting. She brings a bright, enthusiastic energy to the field and believes birding should be above all enjoyable.
Bree Aichele's Events
- Feather River Parkway (1/22/2026)
- Feather River Birds and Bath House (1/23/2026)
- Raptor Run - Monument Hill & More (1/25/2026)