Be prepared for an exciting and exhaustive quest to see the maximum number of northern California bird species possible between dawn and dusk! New this year is that we will be birding only Tehama County (past years have been strictly Butte County), so all you County Listers may be able to change color! We’ll start on the plains north of Chico hoping for Mountain Bluebird, Loggerhead Shrike, Ferruginous and Rough-legged Hawks, and Lewis’s Woodpecker and continue on up towards the snowline nearing Mt. Lassen for montane species. Expect more than 100 species on this fun, fast-paced adventure! Bring lunch, water, and binoculars. Limit: 15 people, four vehicles (Please be prepared to car-pool.)

Field Trip Leader: Scott Huber

Just a short drive outside Durham, along the roadways bordering Rancho Esquon, multitudes of Snow Geese, Greater White-fronted Geese, and Sandhill Cranes can usually be seen right from your vehicle! Bald Eagles are occasionally spotted perched in the snags along the agricultural wetlands. 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 be visiting the egg hatching facility as we learn about the diverse undertakings of this complex rice ranch. This trip is also offered on Sunday.

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

Gray Lodge Wildlife Area is one of the premier winter birding areas in Northern Sacramento Valley. With its varied habitats, flat hiking trails, viewing hides, and a 3-mile auto loop, viewing the million plus ducks, hundreds of thousands of Snow and Ross's Geese, and raptors galore will be spectacular! Then we'll take a short drive to Cordi Winery, nestled at the base of the Sutter Buttes, for some wine tasting and R & R after your big day of birding. Bring snacks, lunch, water, a field guide, and binoculars. And for your viewing pleasure, Bruce will have a large selection of Swarovski optics on loan for this trip. Dress for the winter weather and wear hiking shoes or boots.

Field Trip Leaders: Mary Muchowski and Bruce Webb, Swarovski Optik

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

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 a variety of raptors. We’ll hear about the Ranch's rich natural and cultural histories, its wildlife habitats, and wildlife-friendly farming practices. Also, joining you will be crane biologist Gary Ivey. He will give you the latest information on the wintering cranes in our area. 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, Sandhill Cranes, 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: Joe Silveira and Gary Ivey

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. Rain cancels owl banding events only.

Field Trip Leaders: Mike Fisher and Raina King and Nancy Nelson and Julie Shaw

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. Rain cancels owl banding events only.

Field Trip Leaders: Dawn Garcia and Steve King and Jo Anna Arroyo and Sheila Frisk and Maureen Morales