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: Riverside/Sacramento River Bend
$35 Adult; $20 Youth
Saturday, Jan 24, 2026
Meet at Patrick Ranch - Pat's Barn (Map) at 7:30 am
Meet at Sacramento River Discovery Center (Map) at 8:15 am
Walking, could involve distance but largely flat
Description
Trade the wetlands for wide river views and oak savanna on this special trek to the Sacramento River Bend Area near Red Bluff. This BLM-managed landscape is home to Bald Eagles, Red-tailed Hawks, Acorn Woodpeckers, Western Bluebirds, and wintering sparrows along scenic stretches of the Sacramento River. Participants will explore riparian trails and river overlooks while learning about the area's geology, plant communities, and ongoing restoration work that benefits both wildlife and people. Bring binoculars, snacks, water, and dress in layers. Sturdy walking shoes and carpooling strongly encouraged - the drive is roughly one hour each way, and the group will return by early afternoon.
Field Trip Leaders
Mauricio Schrader
Mauricio Schrader boomeranged back to birding in the last decade, and enjoys all aspects as an amateur. He was first introduced to birds by his 6th grade teacher in the Appalachian Mountains. He has a special interest in birding by ear and behavioral bird trivia. His favorite quote is: "Most of us who follow birds are partly scientist, partly sportsman, and partly poet." Leon Dawson, 1923
Mauricio Schrader's Events
- Riverside/Sacramento River Bend (1/24/2026)
- Beginning Birding by Ear & Nature Sounds Society (1/25/2026)
Oscar Rodriguez
Oscar Rodríguez is an environmental educator and California Certified Naturalist Instructor with over a decade of experience leading outdoor learning programs. A graduate of California State University, Chico, with a degree in Geography and City Planning, Oscar blends his academic background with his love for the environment. Based in Chico, CA, he is passionate about fostering a deeper connection to nature through interactive and inquiry-based education. Oscar has worked with the Chico Area Recreation & Park District and the Butte County Department of Education, where he developed and led environmental programs for diverse groups, including children, adults, and underserved communities. He has also volunteered with the Los Angeles Audubon Society, where he taught K-6 students hands-on outdoor learning curricula based on local natural history and STEM principles. Oscar is committed to creating inclusive and engaging learning experiences that connect participants to the natural world and highlight the importance of conservation.
Oscar Rodriguez's Events
- Riverside/Sacramento River Bend (1/24/2026)
- Adventure at Horseshoe Lake (1/25/2026)