Be prepared for an exciting and exhaustive quest to see the maximum number of northern California bird species possible between dawn and dusk! We’ll go high for species like Evening Grosbeak and Varied Thrush. At mid-elevation we’ll watch for California Thrasher and Golden Eagle. In the plains we expect Ferruginous and Rough-legged Hawks, and we’ll go low for Eurasian Wigeon and other rare waterfowl. Expect more than 100 species on this fun, fast-paced adventure! Bring lunch, water, and binoculars.

Field Trip Leader: Scott Huber

Join Greg for a pre-festival all-day field trip into the wetland and upland habitats of the northern Sacramento Valley. For the lucky few, you’ll get a chance to have an in-the-field experience with one of the famed birders from the book and movie, The Big Year. Bring snacks, lunch, water, binoculars, and a field guide. Dress for the winter weather and wear hiking boots.

Field Trip Leaders: Greg Miller and Bruce Webb, Swarovski Optik

Our first stop will be at the Chico Museum to see the "Amazing Grains: The Story of Rice in California and Beyond" exhibit. Hot Coffee and morning munchies will await you. Then we will drive to Durham for a morning of birding along the roadways bordering Rancho Esquon where we can see Snow Geese, White-fronted Geese, and Sandhill Cranes. Upon arrival at Rancho Esquon, we will visit the viewing platform which offers a spectacular view of the surrounding wetlands with a high concentration of ducks. We will also learn about the diverse undertakings of this complex rice ranch.

Due to metered parking and logistics for the drive to Rancho Esquon, please park in the Bidwell Mansion parking lot. Your Leader will meet you there for the short walk to the Chico Museum.

Field Trip Leaders: Herman Gray and Rick Wulbern and Shane Romain

Our first stop will be at the Chico Museum to see the "Amazing Grains: The Story of Rice in California and Beyond" exhibit. Hot coffee and morning munchies will await you. Then on to Richvale where Butte County Growers Association, a 97 year old farmer-owned cooperative, will provide a tour of the drying operations and the plant. Richvale is not only rich in rice farming history but also rich in wintering waterfowl on the flooded rice fields. Visible from the gravel roads, we’ll see Snow Geese, Tundra Swans, ducks, and maybe even a Bald Eagle.

Due to metered parking and logistics for the drive to Richvale, please park in the Bidwell Mansion parking lot. Your leader will meet you there for the short walk to the Chico Museum. This trip is also offered on Saturday.

Field Trip Leader: Leroy Hord

Leaving Chico in the early afternoon will give us plenty of time to stop and look for geese, swans, and cranes on our way to the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge. We will arrive at the refuge in time to witness thousands of birds silhouetted against the sunset sky as they leave the refuge all at once in their spectacular 'fly-off'. Dress warmly. Photographers are welcome and encouraged to bring their equipment. This trip is also offered on Friday.

Field Trip Leader: Steve Emmons

Enjoy a birding walk through the spectacular and seldom visited Big Chico Creek Ecological Reserve (BCCER) with Dr. Roger Lederer, author of Birds of Bidwell Park; Jeff Mott, Director of the Ecological Reserves for CSU Chico; and Nani Teves with the Big Chico Creek Watershed Alliance. The BCCER is 4000 acres, specially managed for birds and wildlife, with on-going restoration and research. It will be a beautiful hike filled with information about this unique area, the larger watershed, and a search for resident and migrating birds. Wear hiking shoes. Bring binoculars, water, and a snack.

Field Trip Leaders: Roger Lederer and Jeff Mott and Nani Teves

This is a "behind the gates" opportunity to visit the historic Llano Seco Rancho where thousands of acres are set aside for wildlife habitat and conservation. Habitats include riparian forests of the Sacramento River and Little Chico Creek, Valley Oak woodlands and savannas, native and annual grasslands, vernal pool and freshwater marsh wetlands. These habitats attract wintering waterfowl and Sandhill Cranes, as well as raptors including Bald Eagle and Peregrine Falcon. We’ll hear about the ranch's rich natural and cultural histories, its wildlife habitats and wildlife-friendly farming practices. A field trip will wind through the oaks to visit a restored Valley Oak savanna, where we will stretch our legs before heading to the marsh to scout-out waterfowl and other wildlife.

Dress warmly, bring a warm beverage, and do bring your binoculars -- we may have a chance to see hundreds of wintering ducks, geese and Sandhill Cranes! This tour leaves the ranch after dark.

Field Trip Leaders: Richard Thieriot and Joe Silveira

This is a rare chance to observe an owl research project. We will use mist nets and an audio lure to try and capture Northern Saw-whet Owls. We also hope to detect Western Screech, Northern Pygmy, and Great Horned Owls by their calls. Bring headlamps or flashlights, chairs, warm clothes, cameras, and snacks or hot drinks. This field trip is limited to 12 participants.

Field Trip Leaders: Dawn Garcia and Nancy Nelson and Raina King and Steve King