Scott has led the first trip of the festival for a number of years and is known for fast-paced, non-stop, wide-ranging adventures! New this year is that we will be birding only Colusa County, so all of you County Listers may be able to change color. Colusa County is known for its wetlands and rice fields where we’ll expect to see a wide variety of waterfowl including swans, geese, ducks, wading birds, shorebirds, and rails. In the remote and serene Bear Valley, we’ll watch for Ferruginous and Rough-legged Hawks and grassland species. A stop at East Park Reservoir will provide looks at numerous waterbirds and Mountain Bluebirds. Expect to see 60-80 or more species on this fun, fast-paced adventure! Bring lunch, water, and binoculars. Carpooling is mandatory to keep the number of vehicles to a minimum.

Field Trip Leader: Scott Huber

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, Varied Thrush, and White-headed, Hairy, and Pileated Woodpecker. At mid-elevation we’ll watch for California Thrasher and Golden Eagle. In the plains we’ll look for Ferruginous and Rough-legged Hawks, Burrowing and Short-eared Owl, grebes, and possibly Common Loon. We will also 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 and be prepared to eat in the vehicles while driving to locations. Carpooling is mandatory to keep the number of vehicles to a minimum.

Field Trip Leaders: Mary Muchowski and Matt Forster

Bidwell Park is one of the largest city parks in the United States, with a range of habitat types and recreational uses. Starting at Horseshoe Lake, we will hike 4 miles of the Yahi Trail along Big Chico Creek. This stretch of rich riparian habitat provides excellent viewing opportunities of many riparian and oak woodland plant and animal species, and it has some of the best winter birding in Bidwell Park. Common sightings include Black Phoebe, Hermit Thrush, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Spotted Towhee, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Acorn Woodpecker, and Bushtit. Many other species are possible, and it's always worth a walk down this trail to find out! Wear comfortable hiking shoes and layers, and bring water and snacks.

Field Trip Leader: Navit Reid

The C&R ranch captures the beauty of the coast range foothills and North Valley panorama. The Blue Oak/Valley Oak woodlands and grasslands host a variety of birds like Western Bluebird, Lewis's Woodpecker, Western Meadowlark, Golden and Bald Eagles, and American Kestrel. Several restoration efforts are underway at the Ranch. We will return to Chico via Newville Rd. in search of Mountain Bluebird and Ferruginous Hawk. Lunch will be provided by C&R Ranch. Wear sturdy hiking shoes.

Field Trip Leader: Phil Johnson

We will explore some of the grasslands favored in winter by Ferruginous, Rough-legged and Red-tailed Hawks, and Bald and Golden Eagles. On this trip we will not just tick off birds, but we will study hunting behaviors, and plumage differences. With binoculars and spotting scopes, we will pay attention to structural differences between species and discuss why some raptors have special features. Why do some raptors and not others have feathered legs? By the end of the trip, everybody will know and appreciate more about each species. Bring water and lunch. Carpooling is mandatory to keep the number of vehicles to a minimum.

Field Trip Leader: Bruce Webb, Swarovski Optik Field Tech

Nestled in the beautiful foothills of Western Glenn County, you’ll visit areas of the Divide Ranch cattle operation. This is a family owned and operated 2000-acre cattle ranch with an additional 3000-acre ranch that the family leases. The family’s love for the land and its agricultural heritage has inspired them to create numerous riparian areas for wildlife habitat and a grazing management plan that places a strong emphasis on the health of the range. Numbers of deer, turtles, beavers, raptors, ducks, and other birds have increased greatly in these areas. Following your time at the ranch, you will travel to Orland to eat lunch at Farwood Bar & Grill with Divide Ranch’s 100% Grass-Fed Beef on the menu. After lunch take a short walk to Orland Art Center to see the "Wildlife Wonders IV" art show and taste Pedrozo Traditional Farmstead Cheese. Optional trip to Pedrozo Dairy & Cheese Company can be arranged at the tasting with Tim Pedrozo. An extra pair of waterproof boots is a must due to a creek crossing.

Field Trip Leaders: Pamela Waldsmith and Dean Carrier and Mike and Kathy Landini

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 with a different leader.

Field Trip Leaders: Herman Gray and Rick Wulbern and Heidi Ortiz

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. Dress for the winter weather and wear hiking shoes or boots.

Field Trip Leader: Gaylord Grams

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 with a different leader.

Field Trip Leader: Joseph O'Neil

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. 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 Leader: Richard Thieriot

This outing offers a unique up-close and personal glimpse into the world of bats. We will utilize mist nets to potentially capture some of the bat species that utilize the Chico area. We will also utilize acoustic equipment to record and identify bats using their call characteristics. Bring headlamps (preferred) or flashlights, chairs, warm clothes (including a stocking cap), cameras, and snacks/hot drinks. It should be noted that these animals do not read the text books so there will be no guarantee of any successful captures. Youth, age 9 to 17, are welcome. Bring waders if you have them, but they are not required. Rain or cold weather will cancel this event only.

Field Trip Leader: Linda Angerer