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THURSDAY – SUNDAY JANUARY 27-30 CHICO, CALIFORNIA

• Free Events and Activities for the Whole Family • Tips for Navigating the Festival • 62 Field Trips to View Wildlife! • 18 Workshops & Presentations! • Art Exhibit & Reception • ‘Gathering of Wings’ Banquet • Silent Auction & Raffle

January 26–29, 2012 OFFICIAL GUIDE PHOTO BY MIKE PETERS OFFICIAL GUIDE For more information on activities and events, and to register please visit www.snowgoosefestival.org

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pg01 SGF 2012 C M Y K We carry...

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2 Snow GooSe FeStival January 5, 2012 13th Annual Snow Goose Festival of the Pacific Flyway It's going to be a THANK YOU! BIG YEAR for the 2012 Snow Goose Festival Steering Committee and Snow Goose Festival! Subcommittees, Super Snow Goosers of the Festival

Raeann Bossarte, Publicity Kathleen Huber, Administration Steve Overlock, Workshop Special Thanks To….. January 26-29, 2012 Cathy Carter, Art Reception Assistant Coordination All the businesses that support the Debbie Chakarun, Program & Ruth Kennedy, Registration Jennifer Patten, Festival festival with silent auction items, Youth Activities Aubrie Koeing, Art Reception, Youth Coordinator food & drink donations & other contributions illions of waterfowl migrating along the Pacific Flyway call the northern Sacramento Lollie DeYoung, Silent Activities Maria Phillips, Art Exhibit Valley their home during the winter months, and all of us here at the Snow Goose Auction/Banquet Chuck Lundgren, Website Master John Scott, Workshop Coordination Big Chico Creek Ecological Reserve MFestival invite you to join us for an action-packed four days celebrating this annual Mike Fisher, Treasurer Sandy Makau, Silent Auction Sue Scott, Art Reception Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park phenomenon! Sheila Frisk, Exhibits and Vendors Mary Lou Martin, Registration Goodie Sweatt, Registration Chico Certified Farmers Market We have put together a BIG list of more than 70 field trips and workshops that cover six Marilyn Gamette, Exhibit Kathleen McPartland, Youth Kathy Trevino, Registration Chico Creek Nature Center counties, reaching out into the rice fields, wildlife refuges and river walks where mild winter Coordinator Activities Darah Votaw, Art Exhibit Chico Museum: A Far West Heritage weather, abundant food and lots of water draw our avian visitors. & Program Association Museum John Merz, Committee Chair Gayle Womack, Banquet In addition to numerous bird-watching field trips, you might choose to join an owl Liz Gardner, Publicity City of Chico Marvey Mueller, Publicity Chair & Mary Wrysinski, Art Reception radio-tracking team on the local ecological reserve, or try birding by ear, a snowshoe hike in Kathryn Hood, Art Reception Field Trip Coordination Lassen Park, a BIG day of birding, or hike the scenic Sutter Buttes in search of lofty views and resident wildlife. Our workshops offer something for everyone. Learn nature photography, sketching in nature, bird carving, how to record nature sounds, designing a garden for wildlife, (as well as armchair DIRECTIONS TO LOCATIONS adventures for the less hardy), and much more. Free nature activities are offered for youth. Greg Miller is joining our festival this year and causing some BIG excitement for everyone! Greg is one of the famed birders featured in the 2004 book,The Big Year, by Mark Obmascik and (AFU) All Fired Up! Ceramic Art Center to Holt Hall. A greeter will lead you to the Vertebrate Museum for the portrayed by Jack Black in the 2011 movie. Greg will lead several field trips and, as keynote 830 Broadway, Chico, CA 95928 (530) 894-5227 Raptor identification workshop. Between W 8th and W 9th Street, downtown Chico speaker, will be the highlight of our Gathering of Wings Banquet on Saturday night. (GMcDo) Gridley McDonalds Be sure to see the inspiring Uptown/Downtown Pacific Flyway Art Exhibit at two of our (A9) Avenue 9 Gallery & Art Guild 1513 State Hwy 99, Gridley, (530) 846-3222 local galleries: Avenue 9 Gallery and Chico Art Center. Although the exhibit is open Jan. 20 180 E. 9th Ave., Chico, (530) 879-1821 Directions from Chico: Take Hwy 99 South to Gridley McDonalds is in a There is ample free parking on the corner of 9th Avenue and shopping center on the west side of Hwy 99 in Gridley. Driving time and through Feb 12, you won't want to miss our special Welcome Reception on Friday, Jan. 27. This is Oleander for the Friday January 29 Art Reception. distance from Chico: 35 minutes, 29 miles. a special night for festival attendees to mix and mingle, admire art, meet the artists, and enjoy (BM) Bidwell Mansion Historic Park Lema Ranch The McConnell Foundation live music and refreshments. Bring a friend! 525 Esplanade, Chico, CA 95926, (530) 895-6144 800 Shasta View Drive, Redding, CA, (530) 226-6200 We have also partnered with The Chico Museum, whose exhibit, "Amazing Grains: The FROM HIGHWAY 99: Take East First Avenue exit and head west. Story of Rice and Beyond," beautifully tells the story of the relationship between rice farming (Palms) The Palms Turn Left on Esplanade. The park is located on the right hand side 2947 Nord Ave. Chico, CA 95973, (530) 894-8000 and migratory waterfowl along the Pacific Flyway. There are also lots of hands-on learning of the road at Memorial Way and Esplanade. FROM HIGHWAY 5: Right around the corner from the CMFC. Turn right onto East Ave. from the experiences, like walking through a rice field at dusk and examining a mosquito and rice mite Take Highway 32 exit at Orland east 20 miles to West Sacramento Chico Masonic Family Center. Take the 1st right, before the railroad tracks, through a microscope. Watch several rice and bird-related videos. Other themes include rice Avenue. Turn left (east) onto West Sacramento Avenue to The onto Nord Ave. The Palms will be on the left, 1/2 mile. Esplanade where you turn right (south). products, the history of rice in the region, the business and economics of rice framing, environ- (SNWR) Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge mental issues, rice around the world and its many uses, and rice and rice cultivation in artwork. (CAC) Chico Art Center 752 County Road 99W, Willows, (530) 934-2801 Museum admission will be free to registered festival attendees with name badges. 450 Orange Street, Suite 6, Chico, (530) 895-8726 Directions: Located south of Willows off Interstate 5. Please call the Refuge Between W 4th and W 5th Streets, near Chico Amtrak Station. Admission is free to the festival headquarters and various events on Saturday and Sunday, or the festival office for further details. January 28-29, located at the Masonic Family Center, 1110 W. East Ave. in Chico. Online registra- (CCNaC) Chico Creek Nature Center (SRDC) Sacramento River Discovery Center 1968 E. 8th Street, Chico, (530) 891-4671 tion is now open for all events, including field trips, workshops, the Uptown/Downtown 1000 Sale Lane, Red Bluff, (530) 527-1196 Directions from Chico: Take exit #385 toward Chester/Orland- Directions: South on Interstate 5, take Antelope Blvd. exit and turn east. Pacific Flyway Wildlife Art Exhibit and Gathering of Wings Banquet. Fees range from $5 to $45. Hwy. 32. Continue to follow hwy 32-east and take the first left So join us for our BIGGEST year ever, and let us share with you the incredible wonders of then turn right on Sale Lane and continue down the road where you will right after Hwy. overpass. Turn left at E. 8th St. see the center. the Pacific Flyway! (CMFC) Chico Masonic Family Center (WSLO) Waffle Shop Live Oak 1110 W. East Avenue, Chico, (530) 342-7143 10432 State Hwy 99 (Live Oak Blvd), Live Oak, (530) 695-1303 Directions from Chico: From Hwy 99, take the East Avenue exit. Directions from Chico: Take Hwy 99 South to Live Oak. WSLO is on west (This is two exits north of the East 1st Avenue exit.) Turn west on side of Hwy 99 at the north end of town. Driving time and distance from PROGRAM CONTENTS East Avenue. The CMFC is approximately 1.5 miles from the Hwy Chico: 45 minutes, 38 miles. 99 exit, on the right (north) side of East Avenue. If coming from Nord Avenue on Hwy 32, turn east at the W. East Avenue stoplight. Driving Directions...... 3 The CMFC is on the left, approximately 2 miles from the Hwy 32 and East Avenue intersection. Thank You to Volunteers ...... 3 Chico Museum LEGEND: Thank You to Sponsors ...... 4 141 Salem Street, Chico, CA 95928, (530) 891-4336 Between W 1st and W 2nd Street, downtown Chico The following rating system for field trips will Navigating the Festival ...... 5 (CPR) Chico Park-n-Ride in Chico give you an idea for the rigors involved. Field Trips/ Workshops–Details...... 6 Directions from Chico: Take the # 385 exit (Hwy 32 Chester/Orland) from Hwy 99 (in Chico). Park&Ride on eastside of 1 mostly birding by car and/or easy walking Hwy. 99. Park at first lot near Hwy. 32 exit. FREE Activities ...... 7 2 walking, could involve distance but largely flat (CSUC) CSU Chico Vertebrate Museum ”Gathering of Wings” Banquet...... 9 525 Esplanade, Chico, CA 3 more vigorous hiking, some elevation gain/loss Field Guides & Presenters ...... 10 From Hwy 99 North or South: Take 1st Ave. exit (Bidwell Mansion), 4 a true adventure trip, lots of driving and hiking turn west on E. 1st Ave. At the Esplanade, turn left. At Memorial UPTOWN/DOWNTOWN Art Exhibit & Reception ...... 11 Way, turn right into the Bidwell Mansion parking lot (525 Wheelchair Accessible Esplanade). Continue through lot to the right of the Interpretive Photos in this Program by Mike Peters, Tom Barrett, Liam Huber, Kathleen Huber, Carolyn Short building and behind the Gateway Natural History Museum. This University lot is not monitored on weekends. On foot follow signs A$ = Adult Price Y$ = Youth Price REGISTER AT: www.snowgoosefestival.org

JANUARY 5, 2012 SNOW GOOSE FESTIVAL 3

pg3 SGF 2012 A Sincere THANK YOU to all our Sponsors

Major Sponsors: Snow Goose ($2,500 or more)

Altacal California California State Audubon Conservation Parks Northern Society Corps Buttes Districts

Chico News KIXE River & Review Channel 9 Partners

U.S. Fish and Sierra Nevada Wildlife Service Brewing Company Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge Complex

Supporting Sponsors: Great Blue Heron ($1,000 or more) Butte County Fish and Game Commission • Central Valley Joint Venture Chico Museum: A Far West Heritage Association Museum • Iris Software • Kelly Meagher Pacific Gas & Electric Company

White-faced Ibis Tundra Swan ($500 or more) Snowy Egret ($250 or more) ($100 or more)

California Rice Commission Ducks Unlimited Big Chico Creek Watershed Alliance Chico Creek Nature Center Mountain Sports Birkenstock's of Chico New Urban Builders Oxford Suites Butte Environmental Council Out of this World - Discount Binoculars The Nature Conservancy Chico Chamber of Commerce Swarovski Optik Friends of Butte Creek Sacramento River Discovery Center

IMPORTANT REGISTRATION DEADLINES FOR THE SNOW GOOSE FESTIVAL ONLINE REGISTRATION: Closes at 5:00pm Wednesday, January 25!

WALK-IN REGISTRATION: May be available for some events Saturday and Sunday, January 28-291, at the Chico Masonic Family Center, but cannot be guaranteed. For further information on registration please call 530-345-1865. CANCELLATION POLICY: No cancellations or refunds will be available online. To cancel and receive a refund, minus a processing fee, you must call or email the Snow Goose Festival office by Monday, January 23, 2012. Beginning Tuesday, January 24, no cancellations or "no shows" will be refunded. If for any reason the Snow Goose Festival cancels an event, a full refund will be available. Phone: (530) 345-1865 Email: [email protected] 530.228.9115 www.snowgoosefestival.org www.DogGuyJosh.com

4 SNOW GOOSE FESTIVAL JANUARY 5, 2012

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pg04 SGF 2012 Navigating the Festival A FEW SUGGESTIONS FOR A GREAT EXPERIENCE Registration online at www.snowgoosefestival.org Prices range from $5-$45 for field trips, workshops, banquet, & art reception Greg Miller º

It is “The Big Year” For the Serious Birders Exploring Public Wildlife Refuges Famed birder from the book and movie, The Big Year, Greg Miller, will co-lead These are mostly all-day trips led by top-notch guides who work to make this These little-known treasures abound in the North State and several field trips and tell his tale of his Big Year at our Saturday night banquet. an exciting day for dedicated birders: offer so many wonderful encounters Thurs. 7:00am Bird with “The Big Year” Greg Miller Thurs. 6:30am Marathon Big Day Birding with nature that everyone should Fri. 9:30am Bird Bidwell Park with Greg Miller Fri. 7:30am Sutter Buttes - Dean Ranch sign up for at least one visit: Sat. 8:30am Beginning Birding by Ear with Greg Miller, Sat. 6:30am Valley Wetlands & Wintering Waterbirds, 7:00am Refuge to Fri. 8:30am Colusa National 5:30pm “Gathering of Wings” Banquet and Silent Auction Refuge Wildlife Refuge, 12:30pm Sacramento Refuge Fly-Off Sun. 8:30am Oxidation Ponds and Indian Fishery with Greg Miller Sun. 9:00am How to Report a Rare Bird Workshop/Field Trip Sat. & Sun. 8:00am/8:30am Llano Seco Viewing Platform Sun. 1:00pm Wing-It to the The Big Show Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge These trips are scheduled to catch the “fly-offs”, or feeding times, when hundreds of waterfowl rise simultaneously in symphonies of movement and sound: The New Partnership - Thurs. 2:30pm Llano Seco Ranch Wildlife and Habitat Man and Nature Thurs. & Fri. 12:30pm Sacramento Refuge Fly-off Working Together Sun. 1:00pm Wing-It to the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge For an encouraging look at the good things being accomplished both pub- licly and privately, check out one of these: Thurs. 8:00am Rancho Esquon, 1:00pm Hike & Bird Big Chico Creek Reserve Fri. 8:00am Paskenta's C&R Ranch, 8:45am Dye Creek Stretch a Leg, Favorite Birding Preserve Hikes, Walks, & Rides Sat. 7:00am Redding Hot Spots, 7:45am Birding in Red Thurs., Fri., Sat. & Sun.-Sutter Buttes Hikes Getting your Feet Wet For First-timers Bluff, 8:00am Tundra Swan Viewing, 1:00pm Willow Bend Thurs. 1:00pm Hike and Bird Big Chico Creek Plan on at least a half a day on Saturday or Sunday at Festival Preserve Ecological Reserve Headquarters, the Masonic Family Center on East Avenue in Chico Sat/Sun. 1:00pm Lundberg Family Farms, Sun. 8:00am Fri. 12:30pm Hike and Bird West Branch of the (free admission). The huge Exhibit room is filled with booths on Rio Vista, Woodson Bridge & Olive Tour, 8:30am Rancho Feather River birds, bats, birdhouses, native plants, Duck Stamps, restoration Espon, 8:30am Grebes on Thermalito Afterbay, 9:00am Farm Sat. 8:00am Lassen Volcanic NP Snowshoe Hike, projects, outdoor education and much more. There you can Sanctuary Birding Tour, 1:00pm Hidden Wetlands and World 8:30am Bidwell Park-Bird & Ecological Diversity, attend a workshop (for a small fee) about the mascot the Snow of Trees 12:30pm Birds & Native Plants in Upper Bidwell Goose and get to know Chico's Backyard Birds, build a Blue Bird Park,1:30pm Bird & Bike in Lower Box, or take Less Lawn, More Wildlife for the birds, plus much Bidwell Park more. Sun. 7:30am Bird the Shores of Sat. 11:00am All Those White Geese, 11:00am Less Lawn More Black Butte Lake, 8:00am Bidwell Wildlife, 1:00pm Photography “Just for Fun”, 3:00pm Build a Park Bird Walk Blue Bird Box Sun. 1:00pm Chico Backyard Birds Or catch a half-day field trip to a nearby refuge, park or natural area. Families Welcome Thurs. 1:00pm Hike & Bird Big Chico Creek Ecological Reserve All youth will love the free Junior Naturalist Activities on Saturday and Fri. 8:45am Dye Creek Preserve Sunday from 10am - 3pm at the Festival Headquarters. Try these Sat. 8:00am Llano Seco Viewing Platform, 8:30am Bidwell Park: indoor and outdoor programs for a small fee: Bird & Ecological Diversity, 12:30pm Birds & Native Plants of Fri. 7:00pm Family Owl Prowl at CCNaC Upper Bidwell Park or 1:00pm Willow Bend Preserve Sat. 8:00am Lassen Snowshoe Hike, 1:30pmBird & Bike Bidwell Park, Sun. 7:00am All About Raptors, 8:30am Llano Seco Viewing Area, 3:00pm Build a Bluebird Box 1:00 pm Hidden Wetlands & World of Trees-All with a well-versed Sun. 9:00am Falcons & Falconry, 10:00am Beginning Birding for guide. Kids, 1:00pm Hidden Wetlands & World of Trees

For the Artist in You Fri. 8:00am Digiscoping Workshop/Field Trip, 8:30am Basic Nature & Wildlife Photography Workshop, 9:00am Art, River & Birds, 11:00am Bird Carving Seminar for Beginners by Pacific Flyway Decoy Association, 5:00pm Uptown/Downtown Pacific Flyway Welcome Reception & Art Exhibit Sat.1:00pm Make a Bird Sculpture at All Fired Up!, 3:00pm Photographing Birds & Nature-Where to go in California Workshop Sun. 8:00am Photo at the Sacramento NWR, 1:00pm Sketching in Nature, 1:00pm Make A Bird Tile at All Fired Up!

JANUARY 5, 2012 SNOW GOOSE FESTIVAL 5 C M Y K pg05 SGF 2012 13TH ANNUAL SNOW GOOSE FESTIVAL JANUARY 26TH–29TH, 2012 FIELD TRIPS & WORKSHOPS

SACRAMENTO REFUGE FLY-OFF We also hope to detect Western Screech, Northern Pygmy, and Great Horned Owls by their calls. Bring headlamps or flashlights, chairs, warm Thu 12:30 pm - 6:30 pm clothes, cameras, and snacks or hot drinks. This field trip is limited to Thursday, January 26 Meet at Bidwell Mansion Visitor Center 12 participants. A$25 - Y$8 Level 2 Leaving Chico in the early afternoon will give us plenty of time to stop Field Trip Leaders: Dawn Garcia, Nancy Nelson, and look for geese, swans, and cranes on our way to the Sacramento FIELD TRIPS Raina King, and Steve King 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 MARATHON BIG DAY BIRDING refuge all at once in their spectacular ‘fly-off’. Dress warmly. Photographers are welcome and encouraged to bring their equipment. Thu 6:30 am - 5:30 pm This trip is also offered on Friday. A$25 - Y$8 Level 2 Meet at Chico Park-n-Ride Be prepared for an exciting and exhaustive quest to see the maximum Field Trip Leader: Steve Emmons Friday, January 27 number of northern California bird species possible between dawn and dusk! We’ll go high for species like Evening Grosbeak and Varied Thrush. HIKE & BIRD AT BIG CHICO CREEK FIELD TRIPS At mid-elevation we’ll watch for California Thrasher and Golden Eagle. ECOLOGICAL RESERVE NEW In the plains we expect Ferruginous and Rough-legged Hawks, and we’ll SUTTER BUTTES HIKE: DEAN RANCH go low for Eurasian Wigeon and other rare waterfowl. Expect more Thu 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm Fri 7:30 am - 4:00 pm than 100 species on this fun, fast-paced adventure! Bring lunch, water, Meet at Chico Creek Nature Center and binoculars. A$25 - Y$8 Level 4 Enjoy a birding walk through the spectacular and seldom visited Big Meet at Waffle Shop Live Oak Field Trip Leader: Scott Huber Chico Creek Ecological Reserve (BCCER) with Dr. Roger Lederer, author Enjoy a three mile walk to visit the 100 year old Dean Place Cattle Ranch. NORTHERN SAW-WHET OWL RADIO of Birds of Bidwell Park. It will be a beautiful hike filled with information This trip will focus primarily on birding with hopes of seeing Golden about this unique area, the larger watershed, and a search for resident Eagles, Phainopeplas, and Rufous-crowned Sparrows, so bring binoculars TRACKING NEW BIRD WITH “THE BIG YEAR” GREG and migrating birds. Wear hiking shoes. Bring binoculars, water, and a along with lunch and water. Limit 15 people. A$45 - Y$30 Level 3 Fri 8:00 am - 1:00 pm MILLER NEW snack. A$20 - Y$8 Level 3 Field Trip Leader: Peter Sands Meet at Chico Creek Nature Center Thu 7:00 am - 6:30 pm Field Trip Leaders: Roger Lederer, Jeff Mott, Track down Northern Saw-whet Owls while they roost during the day and Nani Teves using radio-telemetry. Assist master’s student, Julie Shaw, as she collects Meet at Chico Creek Nature Center PASKENTA’S C & R RANCH data on one of North America’s smallest and most secretive owl species. Join Greg for a pre-festival all-day field trip into the wetland and upland (includes lunch) Plan on layering for a cold morning with a gradual warm-up as some habitats of the northern Sacramento Valley. For the lucky few, you’ll get HISTORIC LLANO SECO RANCHO: Fri 8:00 am - 2:00 pm hiking may be required! Also commonly seen while tracking are a chance to have an in-the-field experience with one of the famed bird- California Quail, Red-tailed Hawk, Wild Turkey, mule deer, and other ers from the book and movie, The Big Year. Bring snacks, lunch, water, WILDLIFE AND HABITAT CONSERVATION Meet at Chico Masonic Family Center The C & R Ranch is characterized by its highly varied terrain and habi- common wintering song birds. This field trip is also offered on Saturday. binoculars, and a field guide. Dress for the winter weather and wear Thu 2:30 pm - 6:30 pm tat. The riparian vegetation, grasslands, and oak woodlands support a A$25 - Y$8 Level 3 hiking boots. A$35 - Y$20 Level 2 Meet at Chico Creek Nature Center rich and varied migratory and resident population of birds. The oaks This is a “behind the gates” opportunity to visit the historic Llano Seco Field Trip Leader: Julie Shaw Field Trip Leaders: Greg Miller and Bruce Webb, attract several species of woodpeckers. The Lewis’s Woodpecker forms Rancho where thousands of acres are set aside for wildlife habitat and Swarovski Optik large flocks in the tall oaks at the Paskenta Cemetery. Western conservation. We’ll hear about the ranch’s rich natural and cultural his- Bluebirds and Western Meadowlarks dominate the woodland and grass- COLUSA NATIONAL tories, its wildlife habitats and wildlife-friendly farming practices. A field land. Bald Eagles, Golden Eagles, and Osprey may also be seen. Titmice, RANCHO ESQUON & “AMAZING trip will wind through the oaks to visit a restored Valley Oak savanna. WILDLIFE REFUGE jays, juncos, and many other species scour the tree limbs or inhabit the Dress warmly, bring a warm beverage, and do bring your binoculars -- Fri 8:30 am - 2:00 pm GRAINS” EXHIBIT NEW understory of the oak woods. Lunch will be provided by C & R Ranch we may have a chance to see hundreds of wintering ducks, geese and Thu 8:00 am - 1:00 pm owners, Roy and Charlotte Ekland. Participants should wear sturdy hik- Meet at Chico Masonic Family Center Sandhill Cranes! A$20 - Y$8 Level 1 Wildlife, wintering waterfowl, and nature photography are exceptional at Meet at Bidwell Mansion Visitor Center ing shoes. A$30 - Y$10 Level 3 Field Trip Leaders: Richard Thieriot and Joe Silveira Colusa National Wildlife Refuge, especially along the three-mile gravel Our first stop will be at the Chico Museum to see the “Amazing Grains: Field Trip Leader: Phil Johnson auto tour, one-mile trail, and at their new observation deck. With over The Story of Rice in California and Beyond” exhibit. Hot Coffee and 4500 acres of wetlands, seasonal marshes, and uplands, the refuge sup- morning munchies will await you. Then we will drive to Durham for a OWL BANDING AND SURVEY SUTTER BUTTES HIKE: STATE PARK’S ports wintering populations of more than 200,000 ducks and 100,000 morning of birding along the roadways bordering Rancho Esquon where Thu 5:30 pm - 9:00 pm geese. Spectacular flights of Snow Geese and Ross’ Geese along with we can see Snow Geese, White-fronted Geese, and Sandhill Cranes. Upon PEACE VALLEY thousands of Northern Pintail, Green-winged Teal, Mallard, Gadwall, and Meet at Chico Park-n-Ride arrival at Rancho Esquon, we will visit the viewing platform which offers Fri 8:00 am - 4:00 pm Northern Shovelers can be seen in the marshes. A$25 - Y$8 Level 2 a spectacular view of the surrounding wetlands with a high concentra- This is a rare chance to observe an owl research project. We will use tion of ducks. Due to metered parking and logistics for the drive to mist nets and an audio lure to try and capture Northern Saw-whet Owls. Meet at Bidwell Mansion Visitor Center Field Trip Leader: Mike Peters Explore California State Park’s Peace Valley in the Sutter Buttes. It will Rancho Esquon, please park in the Bidwell Mansion parking lot. Your be like stepping back in time as you learn about Peace Valley’s natural Leader will meet you there for the short walk to the Chico Museum. and cultural history. We will visit a Native American site used for grind- DYE CREEK PRESERVE A$25 - Y$8 Level 2 ing acorns. As we traverse this incredible valley, we will learn the inter- Fri 8:45 am - 2:00 pm Field Trip Leaders: Herman Gray, Rick Wulbern, esting geological processes that formed it. This is an undeveloped area, Meet at Chico Masonic Family Center and Shane Romain so wear comfortable walking shoes or boots. Bring a sack lunch and Visit the rugged Dye Creek Preserve in the Lassen Foothill region of east- beverage. This trip is also offered on Saturday. A$45 - Y$30 Level 3 ern Tehama County. Depending on weather conditions, we will hike the BIRDS, RICE GROWERS, & “AMAZING Field Trip Leaders: Ranger Zack Chambers and Tim Davis scenic Dye Creek Canyon or visit a streamside restoration site along the lower flood plain as we discuss land management efforts by The Nature GRAINS” EXHIBIT NEW Conservancy. Expect to see birds common to oak woodlands such as the Thu 9:00 am - 2:00 pm DIGISCOPING WORKSHOP/FIELD TRIP Lewis’s Woodpecker, Acorn Woodpecker, Oak Titmouse, and California Meet at Bidwell Mansion Visitor Center Fri 8:00 am - 12:00 pm Quail. Ferruginous Hawk, Bald Eagle, and Golden Eagle may also be seen Our first stop will be at the Chico Museum to see the “Amazing Grains: Meet at Chico Creek Nature Center at the Preserve. Bring lunch and drink. A$25 - Y$8 Level 3 The Story of Rice in California and Beyond” exhibit. Hot coffee and The marriage of a spotting scope and a digital camera to document Field Trip Leader: Jackson Shedd morning munchies will await you. Then to Richvale where Butte County wildlife sightings is one of the hottest topics in the birding world today. Growers Association will provide a tour of the drying operations and You will spend time in the classroom at the Chico Creek Nature Center to their plant. Richvale is not only rich in rice farming history but also rich help you make some preliminary camera settings, then we will step out- ART, RIVER & BIRDS NEW in wintering waterfowl on the flooded rice fields. Visible from the gravel side and get some bird photos. Participants are encouraged to bring Fri 9:00 am - 2:00 pm roads, we’ll see Snow Geese, Tundra Swans, ducks, and maybe even a their spotting scopes and digital still cameras. Meet at Chico Masonic Family Center Bald Eagle. Due to metered parking and logistics for the drive to A$20 - Y$8 Level 1 Here’s a unique trip that will take you to the Orland Art Center, Pedrozo Richvale, please park in the Bidwell Mansion parking lot. Your leader Field Trip Leader: Bruce Webb, Swarovski Optik Dairy & Cheese Co., and the Sacramento River. The birds at the Orland will meet you there for the short walk to the Chico Museum. This trip is Art Center are by artist Peter Mathios, the 2009 International Ducks also offered on Saturday. A$25 - Y$8 Level 2 Unlimited Artist of the year, and George Lockwood, who has received Field Trip Leader: TBA several national and international awards. Then you’ll take a guided bird walk to the newly opened Capay Unit of the Sacramento River

6 SNOW GOOSE FESTIVAL JANUARY 5, 2012

pg6 SGF 2012 C M Y K National Wildlife Refuge located south of Hamilton City. Here 570 acres passerines. Birds likely to be seen include a wide variety of waterfowl, of land have native grasslands, savannas, and riparian forests. Your next raptors, egrets, herons, Belted Kingfishers, and many other wetland stop will be at Pedrozo Cheese Co. for a tour of this family-run grass- species. Bring binoculars and a bird field guide. A$20 - Y$8 Level 2 fed dairy and cheese operation. Bring lunch, water, binoculars, and Field Trip Leader: Mary Muchowski winter wear. A $25 - Y$8 Level 3 FREE Events and Activities Field Trip Leader: Mauricio Schrader FAMILY OWL PROWL for the Entire Family Fri 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm Saturday/Sunday January 28-29 BIRD BIDWELL PARK WITH “THE Meet at Chico Creek Nature Center BIG YEAR” GREG MILLER NEW This family-oriented field trip offers a unique glimpse into the amazing Chico Masonic Family Center • 1110 W. East Ave., Chico Fri 9:30 am - 1:30 pm nocturnal world of owls. The Prowl, a leisurely hike into Bidwell Park, will start and end at the Chico Creek Nature Center. Dress warmly and Meet at Chico Creek Nature Center bring a flashlight. A$12 - Y$5 Level 1 Join us for a leisurely walk through Upper Bidwell Park, where the Sacramento Valley meets the foothills of the Cascades. With a mix of Field Trip Leader: Scott Toricelli habitats: riparian, blue oak woodlands, grasslands, vernal pools, and a small lake, we’ll see Western Meadowlarks, Western Bluebirds, ducks, geese, herons, Red-tailed Hawks and the omnipresent Acorn Woodpecker, rulers of the Park. A$25 - Y$10 Level 3 Field Trip Leaders: Greg Miller, Jon Aull, Steve King, Live Reptiles! and Raina King Sat ONLY, 10:00 am - Friday, January 27 11:30am CALIFORNIA SOUNDSCAPES PRESENTATIONS/ Touch a snake or get close to a lizard! Join Department of Fish and Game's WORKSHOP/FIELD TRIP NEW WORKSHOPS Steve Brightwell as he shares very inter- Fri 10:00 am - 2:30 pm esting facts about some of Butte County's Meet at Bidwell Mansion Visitor Center BASIC NATURE & WILDLIFE most amazing reptiles. Take a tour of California’s fascinating soundscapes. In the workshop at PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP the CHICO MUSEUM, we’ll enjoy a selection of surround-sound record- Raptors and Rehab ings from California’s parks and wildlife preserves; discuss what nature Fri 8:30 am - 11:00 am Sat ONLY 12:00 pm- 1:00 pm recording equipment is used, and practice ear training. Then out we go Meet at Bidwell Mansion Visitor Center Meet "Checkers" a Great Horned Owl as Marilyn shares some fas- Federal Junior Duck Stamp to the field to “test drive” different sound recording equipment, learn This workshop is an introduction to nature and wildlife photography, cinating facts, unique habits, and curious myths about these Display special recording techniques, and find out why it’s important what you particularly bird photography. Topics will include discussions on expo- beautiful birds of prey. Learn about wildlife rehabilitation and Sat 9:00 am - 5:00 pm, wear and eat in the field.. Due to metered parking and logistics, please sure, lighting, composition, and the ethics of nature photography. Some what you can do to help native wildlife. A surprise visit by other Sun 9:00 am - 3:00 pm park in the Bidwell Mansion parking lot. Your presenter will meet you equipment will be on display including film and digital cameras, pho- raptors is sure to delight all ages. Presenter: Marilyn Gamette there for the short walk to the Chico Museum. Hot coffee and morning tography blinds, camera support devices, flash projection setups, and All 100 California winners from nearly 3,000 entries will be on display. Don't forget to see the Chico winners. munchies will await you. A$25 - Y$8 Level 2 remote control units. This workshop complements the Photography All About Bats! Field Trip Leaders: Greg Weddig, Dan Dugan, Field Trip at the Sacramento Refuge on Sunday. A$15 - Y$8 Sat ONLY 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm Meet Smokey Bear and and Sharon Perry Presenter: Steve Emmons They are one of the most beneficial, yet most misunderstood ani- mals in the world. Learn more about the habits, habitats, and the Blue Goose! Sat 9:00 am - 5:00 pm, BIRD CARVING SEMINAR FOR species of bats that reside within the unique ecosystems of SACRAMENTO REFUGE FLY-OFF Sun 9:00 am - 3:00 pm California's valleys and forests. Presenter: Linda Angerer Fri 12:30 pm - 6:30 pm BEGINNERS Smokey the Bear and the National Wildlife Refuge's Blue Goose Meet at Bidwell Mansion Visitor Center Fri 11:00 am - 4:00 pm will be visiting at various times courtesy of the Sacramento Leaving Chico in the early afternoon will give us plenty of time to stop Meet at Chico Creek Nature Center A Photographic Tour of Nearby National Wildlife Refuge. Also be sure to visit the US Fish & and look for geese, swans, and cranes on our way to the Sacramento Join master carvers from the Pacific Flyway Decoy Association for a five California State Parks Wildlife Service fire safety exhibit booth. National Wildlife Refuge. We will arrive at the refuge in time to witness hour carving seminar. All of the necessary materials, including a study Sat 9am - 10:30am, Sun 11am - 12:30pm thousands of birds silhouetted against the sunset sky as they leave the guide and the best knives on the market, will be provided. Short lectures California has some of the most beautiful state parks in the coun- Junior Naturalist Activities refuge all at once in their spectacular ‘fly-off’. Dress warmly. with lots of hands-on carving will enable you to complete a Lewis’s try and 15 of them are right here in our own backyard. Join state Sat 10:00 am - 3:00 pm, Photographers are welcome and encouraged to bring their equipment. Woodpecker. Topics include where to get your supplies, how to use refer- park staff for a personal 'guided tour' of the Northern Buttes Sun 10:00 am - 3:00 pm This trip is also offered on Thursday. A$25 - Y$8 Level 2 ence material, wood selection, and how to use hand tools and power District State Parks - all from the comfort of your chair. View Along with the Live Animal Presentations, Meet Smokey Bear and Field Trip Leader: Steve Emmons tools. This workshop’s fee includes a one-year membership in the Pacific images from majestic Burney Falls SP to Colusa SRA and many Flyway Decoy Association. Must be fifteen years or older. $30 Blue Goose, Junior Duck Stamp Display, and the Duck Calling parks in between. Including 8 parks that are on the closure hit Contest children may earn a Junior Naturalist Certificate by par- HIKE & BIRD THE WEST BRANCH OF Presenter: Pacific Flyway Decoy Association list and what State Parks is doing about it. ticipating in a few activities designed just for children. There will THE FEATHER RIVER NEW be nature crafts, opportunities to build bird feeders, make a bird The Maze of Maps call and much, much more! Fri 12:30 pm - 4:30pm GEESE OF THE PACIFIC FLYWAY NEW Sat 9:00 am - 5:00 pm, Fri 1:00 pm - 3:30 pm Meet at the Chico Creek Nature Center Sun 9:00 am - 3:00 pm Optics Demo Enjoy a birding walk through the beautiful and seldom visited Hanford Meet at CSUC Holt Hall Rm #235 This year we will feature an eclectic assortment of interesting Sun ONLY 9:30 am - 10:30 am Conservation Easement on the West Branch of the Feather River. It will This workshop will include a PowerPoint slide introduction to the classi- maps from around the North Valley and beyond. Get the bird's be a spectacular hike filled with information about this landmark con- fication, distribution, and identification of Pacific Flyway geese. Learn the basics about binoculars and spotting scopes for bird eye view of our local landscape features. Stroll through maps in watching! What do the numbers mean? Isn't higher power always servation easement, the larger watershed, and a search for resident Following the introduction, we’ll move into the Vertebrate Museum in the CMFC hallway and let your curiosity take you on a tour. and migrating birds. Be prepared for a fairly strenuous hike down to order to examine museum study skins and wings of the various goose better? This will be a "show and tell" discussion about the differ- the river from the ridge and back. Wear hiking shoes, and bring binoc- species and subspecies. Lastly, participants will be able to practice their ences in size, quality, and construction of optics so that you can Exhibits & Vendors Galore! make a good choice for your needs and budget. Sample optics ulars, water and a snack. A $20 - Y$8 Level 3 identification techniques on fresh, unlabeled goose wings. A$15 - Y$7 Sat 9:00 am - 5:00 pm, will be available from numerous manufacturers to illustrate. Leaders: Jamison Watts, and Pricilla Hanford Presenter: Jay Bogiatto Sun 9:00 am - 3:00 pm Marilyn Rose from Out of This World Discount Binoculars will be Displays by State, Federal, and Non-profit organizations. Plus the presenter. BEGINNING BIRDING AT CHICO’S vendors selling everything from binoculars to bird books. OXIDATION PONDS WILDLIFE Volcanoes of Lassen Volcanic SANCTUARY National Park Fri 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm Saturday, January 28 Sun ONLY 10:30 am - noon This workshop is a great opportunity for educators, adults, and Meet at Chico Masonic Family Center Get a good start to birding basics by heading to the Chico Wastewater FIELD TRIPS children ages ten and older to learn about some of the world's Treatment Plant. Seasoned birders know that community sewage ponds most exciting active earth processes. Learn about the unique are universally considered “hot spots” for birding, and the Chico plant VALLEY WETLANDS AND geologic features of this national park and how to identify the is no exception. Its features include shallow areas that attract shore- WINTERING WATERBIRDS four major types of volcanoes using a variety of fun and creative birds, loafing islands for waterfowl, and native vegetation to attract techniques. Educational props, volcanic rocks, visual display, and For the Serious Birder other resources will be used to enhance this presentation. Sat 6:30 am - 4:30 pm Presenter: Steve Zachary Meet at Chico Masonic Family Center More Travel the back roads of Chico to visit the Llano Seco Viewing Platform, Children's Duck Calling Class Sacramento River NWR, and the Gray Lodge Wildlife Area. Along with Snow and Competition Geese, we hope to see a variety of waterfowl, raptors, and many other Sun ONLY 2pm - 3pm info wetland species. This trip is most appropriate for intermediate to advanced birders. Bring lunch, water, binoculars, and a field guide. A$25 Level 4 Local duck callers will be available for training and coaching online before the contest. This is for youth up to 16 years old. Calls will Field Trip Leader: Jay Bogiatto be available for youths. FIELD TRIPS/WORKSHOPS continued on next page

JANUARY 5, 2012 SNOW GOOSE FESTIVAL 7

pg7 SGF 2012 C M Y K FIELD TRIPS/WORKSHOPS continued NORTHERN SAW-WHET OWL RADIO TRACKING NEW REFUGE TO REFUGE: Sat 8:00 am - 1:00 pm New from Nikon: SNOW GEESE GALORE! Meet at Chico Creek Nature Center Sat 7:00 am - 5:00 pm Track down Northern Saw-whet Owls while they roost during the day Meet at Chico Masonic Family Center using radio-telemetry. Assist master’s student, Julie Shaw, as she collects 8x42 Monarch 3 Binocular Visit two premier Sacramento Valley wildlife refuges, U.S. Fish & Wildlife data on one of North America’s smallest and most secretive owl species. Service Sacramento NWR and CA Dept. of Fish and Game Gray Lodge Plan on layering for a cold morning with a gradual warm-up as some Wildlife Area. See huge flocks of Snow Geese and waterfowl along with hiking may be required! Also commonly seen while tracking are cranes, ibis, and a variety of raptors. Dress in layers and bring a sack California Quail, Red-tailed Hawk, Wild Turkey, mule deer, and other lunch. A$25 - Y$8 Level 2 Field Trip Leader: Skip Augur common wintering song birds. This field trip is also offered on Friday. A$25 - Y$8 Level 3 REDDING’S HOT SPOTS Field Trip Leader: Julie Shaw Sat 7:00 am - 2:00 pm LASSEN VOLCANIC NATIONAL PARK Meet at Chico Masonic Family Center at 7:00 am. Meet at Lema Ranch at 8:30 am SNOWSHOE HIKE Start at Lema Ranch, the 200-acre headquarters of the McConnell Sat 8:00 am - 3:00 pm Foundation. Next on to Kutras Lake, a popular stop for Redding birders Meet at Chico Masonic Family Center and Turtle Bay Exploratorium to get close-up looks of Redding’s famous Here is an opportunity to learn about the wildlife and birds at Lassen Bald Eagle nest. A$25 - Y$8 Level 3 Volcanic National Park in winter! We will casually explore the park’s • Ideal for Birdwatching Field Trip Leader: Frank Sanderson beautiful Red Fir forest on snowshoes. Participants must be 8 years or older and able to withstand moderate physical exertion at an elevation • 100% Waterproof & Fogproof of 7,000 feet. Snowshoes will be provided. No experience necessary! RAPTOR RUN Dress warmly, wear boots, and bring lunch and water. A$25 - Y$8 • Excellent for Eyeglass Wearers Sat 7:30 am - 12:00 pm Level 4 Meet at Chico Masonic Family Center Field Trip Leader: Steve Zachery • Fully Multicoated Lenses for Clarity The Northern Sacramento River Valley hosts a large assortment of rap- • Includes Nikon’s “No Fault” Warranty tors and January is one of the best months for raptor viewing in Butte County. We will caravan southward along Hwy 99 to the environs south SUTTER BUTTES HIKE: of Chico to seek as many of these birds of prey as we can. Target species STATE PARK’S PEACE VALLEY include Bald and Golden Eagles, Ferruginous Hawk, Merlin, and Prairie Falcon. Dress for potentially cold, wet weather; bring a scope if you have Sat 8:00 am - 4:00 pm one; and binoculars are a MUST! A$20 - Y$8 Level 2 Meet at Chico Masonic Family Center Explore California State Park’s Peace Valley in the Sutter Buttes. It will be Out of this World Field Trip Leader: Bill Haas like stepping back in time as you learn about Peace Valley’s natural and Open Every Day on Main Street, Mendocino cultural history. We will visit a Native American site used for grinding BIRDING IN RED BLUFF acorns. As we traverse this incredible valley, we will learn the interesting Sat 7:45 am - 3:00 pm geological processes that formed it. This is an undeveloped area, so wear comfortable walking shoes or boots. Bring a sack lunch and beverage. Meet at Chico Masonic Family Center at 7:45 am. This trip is also offered on Friday. A$45 - Y$30 Level 3 Meet at Sacramento River Discovery Center at 8:45 am Field Trip Leaders: Ranger Zack Chambers Mendocino, CA 800-485-6884 The Sacramento River Discovery Center and BLM’s Sacramento River Bend Area will be the area’s visited for this exciting birding adventure. Target and Tim Davis birds for this trip are the Lewis’s Woodpecker and eagles. A $25 - Y$8 Level 3 BIDWELL PARK: Field Trip Leader: David Dahnke BIRD & ECOLOGICAL DIVERSITY Sat 8:30 am - 12:00 pm SUTTER BUTTES HIKE: DEAN RANCH Meet at Chico Masonic Family Center Sat 8:00 am - 4:00 pm Join Dan Efseaff, Park and Natural Resource Manager for the City of Chico, Meet at Waffle Shop Live Oak as we explore the diverse habitats of Bidwell Park. We will learn about the A three-mile gentle hillside walk will take us around the 100 year old factors that influence the vegetation of Blue Oak, grassland, and riparian Dean Place Cattle Ranch. Along the way the Buttes’ volcanic origins and areas, and create a list of birds from each area and discuss the reasons for some Native American artifacts will be revealed. Hopefully, we will see the diversity. We will also get a first-hand view of some of the restoration such gems as the Mountain Bluebird, Varied Thrush, Golden Eagle, and and management efforts in the Park. Participants should plan for wet Ferruginous Hawk, along with the usual winter sparrows, and with luck, weather, and hiking uneven terrain. Plan for a great morning out in the geese and swans flying high over the Buttes. Be sure to bring binocu- park, rain or shine! A$20 - Y$8 Level 3 lars, lunch, water, and sturdy boots/shoes and hiking sticks, if you have Field Trip Leader: Dan Efseaff them. A$45 - Y$30 Level 3 Field Trip Leader: Middle Mountain Foundation VINA PLAINS TO PINE CREEK & THE RIVER LLANO SECO VIEWING PLATFORM: Sat 8:30 am - 12:30 pm DABBLING, DIVING & SOARING Meet at Chico Masonic Family Center Sat 8:00 am - 12:00 pm Visit The Nature Conservancy’s Vina Plains Preserve and observe winter Meet at Chico Masonic Family Center plants and animals of unique vernal pool ecosystems. Learn why vernal The Llano Seco Unit of the Sacramento River NWR offers sensational pool landscapes are so important to migratory waterfowl and shore- views from an elevated viewing platform. This is an ideal spot for view- birds. Next, travel to the Pine Creek Unit of Sacramento River National ing a large number of geese and ducks in one location! Other often- Wildlife Refuge to see a riparian habitat restoration project and learn cited species include Sandhill Cranes, raptors (last year several Bald why it is critical for the survival of Chinook Salmon, migratory song- Eagles were seen), heron, and egrets. This is definitely a birding hot birds, and endangered species. A$20 - Y$8 Level 3 spot! This trip is also offered on Sunday. A$20 - Y$8 Level 2 Field Trip Leaders: Joe Silveira and Ryan Luster Field Trip Leader: Shelly Kirn BEGINNING BIRDING BY EAR TUNDRA SWAN VIEWING: WITH GREG MILLER NEW DISTRICT 10 (includes lunch) Sat 8:30 am - 12:30 pm Sat 8:00 am - 1:30 pm Meet at Chico Masonic Family Center Meet at Chico Masonic Family Center Join avid ear-birders, Scott Huber and Greg Miller, for a morning of lis- Drive from Chico to Marysville and stop at District 10 where traditionally tening to and learning some audio clues for identifying bird songs and hundreds of large Tundra Swans can be seen. Swan viewing will be mainly calls in the field. Some listening and recording equipment used in Greg from the sides of backcountry roads -- the hiking will be very limited. We Weddig’s California Soundscapes workshop will be along on this trip. will stop at the home of Mr. & Mrs. Charlie Mathews who will offer us Participants may wish to take the California Soundscapes Workshop on lunch and a presentation on the benefits of rice farming for wildlife. Bring Friday, January 27, at 10:00 AM that complements this field trip. A$30 - binoculars and spotting scopes if you have them. A$25 - Y$8 Level 1 Y$10 Level 2 Field Trip Leaders: Dale Whitmore and Charlie Field Trip Leaders: Scott Huber, Greg Miller, Mathews and Greg Weddig

8 SNOW GOOSE FESTIVAL JANUARY 5, 2012 2x6 (1/5 H)

pg8 SGF 2012 C M Y K

NEWS & REVIEW BUSINESS USE ONLY DESIGNER ISSUE DATE ACCT. EXEC. MTH 09.09.10 J;D FILE NAME REV. DATE FRANKYS010611R1 09.09.10

USP (BOLD SELECTION) PRICE / ATMOSPHERE / EXPERT / UNIQUE FEATHER RIVER REGION THERMALITO AFTERBAY/ and most difficult ducks to observe in the wild. Why do Wood Ducks nest in trees? What are their favorite foods? What is “dump nest- & NATURE TRAIL SHORT GRASS PLAINS ing“? Richly illustrated with many beautiful photos, we will take a Sat 8:30 am - 12:00 pm Sat 1:00 pm - 5:30 pm journey through the annual cycle of the Wood Duck. A$8 - Y$5 “Gathering of Wings“ Meet at Chico Masonic Family Center Meet at Chico Masonic Family Center Presenter: Mike Peters This trip begins with a car caravan to the Old Bath House Nature This hike along the north side of the Afterbay reservoir offers a great Center near the Table Mountain Bridge. Here we will begin with a mix of habitat including open water, rice fields, short grass plains, BANQUET nice leisurely hike along the banks of the Feather River. We will keep back bays, and marsh. We hope to see waterfowl including PHOTOGRAPHY a keen eye out for some of the area’s abundant wildlife, which Canvasback, goldeneyes, and grebes as well as raptors such as Prairie “JUST FOR FUN” NEW Saturday, January 28, 5:30 pm-10:00 pm includes mergansers, goldeneyes, bufflehead, osprey, eagles, river Falcon, Ferruginous Hawk, and Bald Eagle. Tundra Swans and Greater Sat 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm The Palms, 2947 Nord Ave. Chico, CA otter, and even lingering salmon. A$20 - Y$8 Level 2 White-fronted Geese use the rice fields. Burrowing Owls and Short- Meet at Chico Masonic Family Center thepalmsvenue.com 530-894-8000 Field Trip Leader: Rex Burress eared Owls have been seen on this trail. Horned Larks and American Pipits like the short grass areas. Lots of open sky views. Bring food, After 35 years, pro travel and wildlife photographers, Ron and Nancy Cost per Person: $36 Adult, $20 Youth (17 years and younger), good hiking gear, and all-weather clothing. A$25 - Y$8 Level 3 Sanford, are working more and more with less and less photo gear. and students with ID Beer & Wine (No Host) BIRDS, RICE GROWERS, & Ron promises to ‘show and tell’ how new technology has elevated “AMAZING GRAINS” EXHIBIT NEW Field Trip Leader: Phil Johnson small, inexpensive PHD cameras. In case you don’t know, PHD means push here dummy. He promises a lively visual adventure ... he’ll Sat 9:00 am - 2:00 pm BIRD & BIKE IN make the case, you decide! Warning: If you just dropped a couple Meet at Bidwell Mansion Visitor Center grand on a camera/lens package ... this may not be your best pro- Our first stop will be at the Chico Museum to see the “Amazing LOWER BIDWELL PARK NEW gram choice. A$10 - Y$5 Grains: The Story of Rice in California and Beyond” exhibit. Hot cof- Sat 1:30 pm - 4:30 pm Presenters: Ron & Nancy Sanford fee and morning munchies will await you. Then on to Richvale where Meet at Chico Creek Nature Center Butte County Rice Growers Association will provide a tour of the dry- Lower Bidwell Park, despite its city-close location, hosts a large num- ing operations and their plant. Richvale is not only rich in rice farm- ber of resident and wintering birds. We will travel the Lower Bidwell MAKE A BIRD SCULPTURE ing history but also rich in wintering waterfowl on the flooded rice bike path from Chico Creek Nature Center up to the area called 5- AT ALL FIRED UP! NEW fields. Visible from the gravel roads, we’ll see Snow Geese, Tundra mile, stopping along the way to look at some easy-to-spot regulars Sat 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm Swans, ducks, and maybe even a Bald Eagle. Due to metered parking such as the Red-shouldered Hawk , Acorn Woodpecker and hopefully and logistics for the drive to Richvale, please park in the Bidwell some of our wintering specialties including Red-naped Sapsucker, Meet at All Fired Up! Ceramic Art Center Mansion parking lot. Your leader will meet you there for the short Red-breasted Nuthatch, Cedar Waxwing, and Hermit Thrush. Our People of all ages and abilities will learn how to make Janice walk to the Chico Museum. This trip is also offered on Thursday. pace will be leisurely, helmets are a must, and binoculars a definite Hofmann’s “Life is Tweet” signature bird sculpture. Once you learn A$25 - Y$8 Level 2 asset. This trip is designed for beginning birders and fans of city how to make one, all your friends and family will be clamoring for one too. Price includes instruction, materials, tools, and kiln firing. KEYNOTE SPEAKER: Greg Miller, famed birder portrayed by Field Trip Leader: Mary Muchowski parks alike, and families with children 8 years of age or older are Jack Black in 2011 movie “The Big Year”. most welcome. Must provide your own bike. A$20 - Y$8 Level 2 A$20 - Y$15 Field Trip Leader: Bill Haas Presenter: Janice Hofman WINGS & WINE TASTING Come hear Greg recount the varied and sometimes humorous experiences of IN VINA NEW ARMCHAIR TOUR OF his BIG YEAR birding adventure. In an effort to see as many species of birds as Sat 10:30 am - 3pm possible in one calendar year, he traveled extensively across North America. THE SUTTER BUTTES He'll share with us how he got into birding and how he came to do a big year. Meet at the Chico Masonic Family Center Sat 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm Then he'll tell the story behind how his experiences became a book and a Join Mauricio as he takes you to where history, a monastery, wine and movie, and what it was like being a bird consultant for “The Big Year” movie. birds will create a unique and memorable trip. The history, monastery Saturday, January 28 Meet at Chico Masonic Family Center and wine portion of your visit will be to The Abby at New Clairvaux, in Here’s an opportunity for glimpses into the mysterious Sutter Buttes. Prior to dinner and after the keynote address, Greg will be signing the book, Vina, a community of “Trappist” monks that was founded in 1955. Now PRESENTATIONS/ Travel through the Buttes without ever leaving your chair as you The Big Year: A Tale of Man, Nature, and Fowl Obsession, by Mark Obmascik their winery has a beautiful tasting room in a historic brick building . enjoy this fascinating slide presentation on the many facets and You'll also bird surrounding areas looking for resident and wintering WORKSHOPS wonders of the remarkable landscape that makes up the Sutter birds such as woodpeckers, raptors, thrushes, sparrows, bluebirds, plus Buttes. A$8 - Y$5 SILENT AUCTION & RAFFLE! much more. Bring a lunch, water, and binoculars. A$25 Level 2 CALIFORNIA CONDOR: Silent Auction Begins at 5:30 pm Presenter: Mike Hubbartt The vibrant Silent Auction tables will accompany us while we dine at The Field Trip Leader: Mauricio Schrader THE ROAD TO RECOVERY NEW Palms. The Silent Auction will include a variety of exquisite items including Sat 9:00 am - 10:30 am BUILD A BLUEBIRD BOX NEW works of art, wine, and services. Your financial participation directly affects BIRDS & NATIVE PLANTS Meet at Chico Masonic Family Center Sat 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm our ability to ensure that the Snow Goose Festival remains the North State's Join Chris Barr as he shares his experience working towards the sur- premier birding event, so enjoy the evening bidding for an event or item that IN UPPER BIDWELL PARK vival of the California condor. From rescue to recovery, the condor is Meet at Chico Masonic Family Center you love. You won't be disappointed! Sat 12:30 pm - 4:00 pm still one of the most endangered birds in the world. However, Here is the opportunity to build your very own Bluebird box. Learn a through public and private partnerships, the future looks brighter few pointers on placement and maintenance of boxes. Limit of 10 Meet at Chico Masonic Family Center boxes to be built. Make this a family project! $10 Bidwell Park is one of the largest city owned parks in the Unites for the species. From a low of 21 birds in the world, there are now Special Raffle!! 1 ticket $5, 5 tickets $20 States. We are going to search for wintering birds as well as learn close to 400 birds. A new generation of Americans are now experi- Presenter: TBA Owl Night Out about the native plants found in Upper Bidwell Park. After a short car- encing the joy of watching the largest land bird in North America You and 5 of your friends can learn about the migratory ecology of the pool to Horseshoe Lake, we will hike about a mile up the Yahi Trail soar in the skies above. A$8 - Y$5 PHOTOGRAPHING BIRDS & Northern Saw-whet Owl (Aegolius acadicus) in the Sierra Nevada foothills with along Big Chico Creek. This area has some of the best winter bird Presenter: Chris Barr licensed bird bander Dawn Garcia. Guests will observe and may assist with watching in Bidwell Park. The plant life is abundant in the park year NATURE: WHERE TO GO IN data collection, banding, and release of the petite owls. The banding will be round as well. Don’t forget those binoculars! A$20 - Y$8 Level 3 LESS LAWN, MORE WILDLIFE NEW CALIFORNIA NEW conducted at the Big Chico Creek Ecological Reserve where Dawn is research- Field Trip Leaders: Margery McNairn, Steve King, Sat 11:00 am - 12:30 pm Sat 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm ing owl migration, now for the 8th season. A specific date between October 15 and Raina King Meet at Chico Masonic Family Center and November 15, 2012 will be arranged between the parties as the owl Meet at Chico Masonic Family Center This program is an introduction to some of the locations in migration season approaches. Lawns are wonderful for children to play on and dogs to run on, and California and nearby southern Oregon that provide excellent oppor- Raffle tickets will be for sale at the Snow Goose Festival's booth at Chico LUNDBERG FAMILY FARMS the expanse of green are certainly appreciated in the heat of the tunities to photograph nature, particularly birds and scenic views. Certified Farmers Market, January 7, 14, 21, Saturday night's banquet and summer. Lawns, however, use large quantities of water and fertilizer, Sat 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm Photography opportunities on the refuges of the Sacramento Refuge Chico Masonic Family Center, Sat-Sun, January 28-29. The winning tickets will need mowing, and provide little to no habitat for insects and birds. Meet at Chico Masonic Family Center Complex will be discussed in addition to recommended methods of be drawn at the conclusion of the Snow Goose Festival, Sunday, January 29. Tour the farm famous for its specialty rice products and for attract- In this workshop I will discuss the nuts and bolts of converting a photographing at the other locations covered in the presentation. A BIG Thank You to Chico Certified Farmers' Market for ing wildlife to its organic fields. Witness first-hand how valley farm lawn to a wildlife friendly garden. We will cover methods to kill the A$15 - Y$8 the booth space! practices, and ecological farming in particular, can benefit migrato- lawn, with an emphasis on sheet mulching; how to change over the Presenter: Steve Emmons ry and non-migratory bird populations of the Pacific Flyway. Then irrigation; design considerations; and plant choices. A$8 - Y$5 we’ll visit the new, recently opened Headquarters and Visitors Presenter: John Whittlesey Center, where a store is stocked full of Lundberg goodies! This trip is FIELD TRIPS/WORKSHOPS continued on next page also offered on Sunday. A$20 - Y$8 Level 1 ALL THOSE WHITE GEESE! Field Trip Leader: Lundberg Family Farms Staff SNOW GOOSE WORKSHOP Sat 11:00 am - 12:30 pm WILLOW BEND PRESERVE NEW Meet at Chico Masonic Family Center Don’t miss the exhibit: Sat 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm Snow Geese, Ross’s Geese, and Blue Morphs - it can be overwhelm- “Amazing Grains: The Story of Rice in California and Beyond” Meet at Chico Masonic Family Center ingly white in the sky! Come learn how to tell the difference between Willow Bend Preserve lies on the east bank of the Sacramento River, all these white geese. Through exquisite pictures and lively narra- at the Chico Museum in Beautiful Downtown Chico about 45 miles south of Chico. We will explore this riparian preserve tion, you can become much more knowledgeable about our Mascot Open: Wed.– Sun., Noon-4 PM, Corner of 2nd and Salem streets, downtown Chico to discover how the river has formed both the forest and the dunes of the Festival. A$8 - Y$5 (530) 891-4336 www.chicomuseum.org on the gravel bar. We will hike along the edge of the river for 1.5 Presenter: Mike Peters miles and then explore the interior of the riparian forest. Winter migratory birds should be abundant in the willow thickets. Wear Museum admission FREE hiking boots and bring water and a snack. A$20 - Y$8 Level 3 THE ELUSIVE WOOD DUCK Sat 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm to registered Festival attendees Field Trip Leader: Tom Griggs with name badge! Meet at Chico Masonic Family Center Come learn about the life cycle of the Wood Duck; one of our shyest JANUARY 5, 2012 SNOW GOOSE FESTIVAL 9

Grayscale pg9 SGF 2012 FIELD TRIPS/WORKSHOPS continued graphs will be discussed. Participants should bring a film or digital camera, the Oxidation Ponds Wildlife Sanctuary at the City of Chico Wastewater wide angle and telephoto (minimum 200mm with 1.4X teleconverter) lens- Treatment Plant. We’ll spend a couple of hours walking the levees around es, and tripod. A$20 - Y$8 Level 2 the ponds where we hope to find many species of migrating waterfowl as THANK Field Trip Leader: Steve Emmons well as resident birds and mammals. We will then go over to the Indian Fishery Day Use Area of Bidwell-Sacramento River State Park. There the half mile trail winds through an oak woodland forest adjacent to an oxbow lake. YOU! Sunday, January 29 RIO VISTA, WOODSON BRIDGE Woodpeckers abound along with many other woodland and aquatic birds. If FIELD TRIPS & OLIVE TOUR we are lucky we may also see River Otter, Beaver and Pond Turtles. A$30 - Sun 8:00 am - 2:30 pm Y$10 Level 2 Field Trip Leaders: Mike Fisher, Greg Miller, and ALL ABOUT RAPTORS Meet at Chico Masonic Family Center Nancy Nelson WORKSHOP/FIELD TRIP Join Dave as he takes you to the Rio Vista Unit of SNWR and the Woodson Bridge State Recreation Area to search for the winter birds. These places are 13th Annual Snow Sun 7:00 am - 1:00 pm a winter haven to Bald Eagles, woodpeckers, thrushes, sparrows, wrens, FALCONS AND FALCONRY Meet at CSU Chico Vertebrate Museum finches, and owls. Then after your morning of birding, take the short trip Sun 9:00 am - 11:00 am Goose Festival The Northern Sacramento Valley attracts some 14 different raptor species into Corning to the Lucero Olive Oil’s newly opened tasting room during the cold winter months. We will begin our day with a Raptor ID (www.lucerooliveoil.com). Once there you will be given a mill tour and have Meet at Chico Masonic Family Center Field Trip Leaders Workshop sponsored by the Chico State Birding Club. The workshop will be the opportunity to taste several of their award-winning olive oils and their On this field trip, you will have the opportunity to see falconry in action. held at CSU Chico’s Vertebrate Museum using museum skins and other tools. unique olive oil ice cream sundae. Wear good walking/hiking shoes, and Falconry is a traditional method of hunting with trained birds of prey. The From there, we will caravan down Hwy 99, south of Chico, to practice our bring lunch, water, and binoculars. A$25 - Y$8 Level 2 field trip will begin with a short drive to a large open area. Falconry as a and field sport will be discussed and equipment of this ancient art form will be newfound identification skills on as many of these birds of prey as we can. Field Trip Leader: Dave Tinker Target species include Bald Eagle, Ferruginous Hawk, Merlin, Prairie Falcon, displayed, along with live raptors. The trip will culminate with a live flying Workshop and more. Dress for very cold weather, bring a scope if you have it, and raptor display. A$20 - Y$8 Level 2 binoculars are a MUST! You may also want to bring snacks and water/hot BIRDING & BRUNCH IN PARADISE! Field Trip Leader: Andy Wahl Presenters drinks. We will carpool as much as possible. A$25 - Y$8 Level 2 Sun 8:15 am - 2:00 pm Field Trip Leaders: Michelle Ocken, Julie Shaw, Jackson Meet at Chico Masonic Family Center FARM SANCTUARY Shedd, Mela Garcia, and Zach Miller Yes, here is an opportunity to see the birds of Paradise and enjoy a sumptu- BIRDING TOUR NEW Linda Angerer John “Mac” McCormick ous brunch all in one trip. Follow Gaylord as you walk along the Historic Sun 9:00 am - 3:00 pm BIRD THE SHORES OF Miocene Flume. Here we should see towhees, woodpeckers, finches, spar- Jo Anna Arroyo Margery McNairn rows, titmice, and raptors flying above. Then we will travel up the ridge to Meet at Chico Masonic Family Center BLACK BUTTE LAKE enjoy our brunch at the Wulbern’s beautiful home where we can overlook This is an eclectic trip! We will visit the Orland Art Center to see Wildlife Skip Augur Greg Miller Sun 7:30 am - 3:00 pm the valley and watch the activity at their birdfeeders. We will end the day Wonders art exhibit, the Farm Sanctuary, and nearby habitats of Black at Kunkle Reservoir. Here we can expect to see ducks and Canada Geese on Butte Lake. At Farm Sanctuary they provide sanctuary for 350+ rescued Jon Aull Zach Miller Meet at Chico Masonic Family Center farm animals. You will see many species of native birds at their ponds and Situated on the west side of the upper Sacramento Valley, Black Butte Lake the water, and on an additional walk, we may have sightings of Western Bluebirds, Red-breasted Sapsuckers, resident hawks, and an assortment of surrounding areas, including Great Blue Heron, Western Bluebird, Osprey, Chris Barr Jeff Mott is surrounded by beautiful dark volcanic buttes. Come explore the backwa- winter raptors, Western Meadowlark, Yellow-billed Magpie, and perhaps ters and woodlands this lake has to offer and see Pied-billed Grebes, Belted other birds and wildlife. A$25 - Y$8 Level 2 Jay Bogiatto Mary Muchowski Loggerhead Shrike and Lewis’s Woodpecker. Bring binoculars, warm clothes, Kingfisher, Bonaparte’s Gulls, goldeneyes, Clark’s and Western Grebes. Stop Field Trip Leader: Gaylord Grams drinks, cameras, and your wallet in case you want to purchase items at the Carol Burr Nancy Nelson along the roads and see Wild Turkeys, Mountain Bluebirds, Red-tailed sanctuary. Vegan snacks will be provided at the Farm Sanctuary, but please Hawks, and Turkey Vultures. Lewis’s Woodpeckers, and Golden and Bald LLANO SECO VIEWING PLATFORM: bring a lunch or snack also. This field trip is limited to 15 participants. Rex Burress Michelle Ocken Eagles winter in this area too. Bring a lunch and drink. A$25 - Y$8 Level 3 A$25 - Y$8 Level 2 Field Trip Leader: Phil Johnson DABBLING, DIVING Ranger Zack Chambers Pacific Flyway Decoy & SOARING Field Trip Leaders: Dawn Garcia, Jo Anna Arroyo, Association and Sophia Pospisil Dick Cory SUTTER BUTTES HIKE: Sun 8:30 am - 12:30 pm Sharon Perry SUMMIT ASCENT Meet at Chico Masonic Family Center David Dahnke The Llano Seco Unit of the Sacramento River NWR offers sensational views HOW TO REPORT A RARE BIRD Mike Peters Tim Davis Sun 7:30 am - 4:00 pm from an elevated viewing platform. This is an ideal spot for viewing a large WORKSHOP/FIELD TRIP NEW Sophia Pospisil Meet at Gridley McDonalds number of geese and ducks in one location! Other often-seen species Sun 9:00 am - 2:00 pm Michael Denega This hike traverses essentially the same terrain as the Mid-Mountain Hike include Sandhill Cranes, raptors (last year several Bald Eagles were seen), Meet at Chico Masonic Family Center Shane Romain but adds an additional half-mile 1000 ft. elevation gain. The last half mile- heron, and egrets. This is definitely a birding hot spot! This trip is also So you think you’ve just seen a rare bird; what do you do now? We’ll inves- Dan Dugan is quite strenuous. Wear sturdy hiking shoes, dress in layers, and bring offered on Saturday. A$20 - Y$8 Level 2 Frank Sanderson tigate the several avenues that meet accepted birding community protocols. Dan Efseaff lunch and water. A$45 - Y$30 Level 4 Field Trip Leader: Shelly Kirn We’ll present the protocol in the form of a checklist that will include what Peter Sands Field Trip Leaders: Marty Steidlemayer and Mike equipment you should carry, what immediate steps to take; how to confirm Steve Emmons Hubbartt RANCHO ESQUON to yourself its rarity; how to document the observation (sketches, record- Ron & Nancy Sanford ings, photos, etc.); what local references to check; who should be contacted, Mike Fisher Sun 8:30 am - 12:30 pm Mauricio Schrader SUTTER BUTTES HIKE: how and when to publish the account (e.g., via E-mails, a note to a scientif- Marilyn Gamette Meet at Chico Masonic Family Center ic publication). The classroom session will be followed by a two-hour field Julie Shaw MID-MOUNTAIN Just a short drive outside Durham, along the roadways bordering Rancho exercise with one of our local artists, Carol Burr, to practice these skills in Dawn Garcia Sun 7:30 am - 4:00 pm Esquon, multitudes of Snow Geese, Greater White-fronted Geese, and the field. A$25 - Y$8 Level 2 Jackson Shedd Meet at Gridley McDonalds Sandhill Cranes can usually be seen right from your vehicle! Bald Eagles are Field Trip Leaders: Bill Haas and Carol Burr Mela Garcia occasionally spotted perched in the snags along the agricultural wetlands. Joe Silveira On this 5-mile hike into the Sutter Buttes, we’ll visit secluded locations Gaylord Grams revealing the Buttes’ geologic formation, Native American presence, old pio- Upon arrival at Rancho Esquon, we will visit the viewing platform which Marty Steidlemayer neer home sites, and ecology typical of California’s past. This hike is moder- offers a spectacular view of the surrounding wetlands with a high concen- WING-IT TO THE SACRAMENTO Herman Gray ately brisk. Wear sturdy hiking shoes, dress in layers, and bring lunch and tration of ducks. We will also be visiting the egg hatching facility as we NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE Art Tawatari water. A$45 - Y$30 Level 3 learn about the diverse undertakings of this complex rice ranch. Tom Griggs A$20 - Y$8 Level 2 Sun 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm Nani Teves Field Trip Leaders: Marty Steidlemayer, and Mike Meet at Chico Masonic Family Center Pricilla Hanford Hubbartt Field Trip Leader: Mary Muchowski The “winging-it” part of this trip is where the fun starts! We’ll veer off the Richard Thieriot beaten path as we bird along our way to the refuge. At the refuge we’ll view Janice Hofmann GREBES ON THE THERMALITO Dave Tinker BIDWELL PARK the dioramas and pick-up a wildlife checklist. Then we are off to a leisurely Leroy Hord AFTERBAY WORKSHOP/FIELD TRIP adventure around the auto tour loop to possibly see thousands of birds. You Scott Toricelli BIRD WALK NEW can expect to see Snow Geese, Northern Pintail, Cinnamon Teal, Ring-necked Mike Hubbartt Sun 8:00 am - 10:00 am Sun 8:30 am - 1:00 pm Duck, wigeon, raptors, and possibly a Bald Eagle. A$20 - Y$8 Level 2 Andy Wahl Meet at Chico Creek Nature Center Meet at Chico Masonic Family Center Field Trip Leader: Michael Denega Scott Huber Enjoy a bird walk through Bidwell Park with ornithologist and author of Join Scott Huber for a short presentation on the Western and Clark’s Grebes Jamison Watts Lin Jensen Birds of Bidwell Park. Learn amazing facts about the birds of the park and of Thermalito Afterbay in Oroville, followed by a trip to see the grebes and how to identify them. Bidwell Park is a wonderful place to see birds because their nesting areas first hand. Participants will learn to differentiate the two HIDDEN WETLANDS & Bruce Webb, Swarovski species as well as view other species of the ‘bird-rich’ Afterbay area which Phil Johnson Optik it is both semi-wild and very accessible. It is excellent birding for both the “WORLD OF TREES” beginner and expert. A$12 - Y$5 Level 2 may include Common Loon, Redhead, Canvasback, Say’s Phoebe, Raina King Loggerhead Shrike, Ferruginous Hawk, Rough-legged Hawk, and many oth- Sun 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm Greg Weddig Field Trip Leader: Roger Lederer ers. A$25 - Y$8 Level 3 Meet at Chico Masonic Family Center Steve King Dale Whitmore Field Trip Leader: Scott Huber Bring the family and explore these hidden wetlands on a discovery hike PHOTOGRAPHY AT SAC REFUGE through one of Chico’s best-kept secrets, Teichert Ponds. These ponds are Shelly Kirn John Whittlesey Sun 8:00 am - 12:00 pm an urban oasis for wildlife in the midst of development, hosting Wood Roger Lederer OXIDATION PONDS & INDIAN FISHERY Ducks, Osprey, herons, egrets, and more. After the ponds, we will head over Rick Wulbern Meet at Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge to Chico’s original forestry station, the “World of Trees” trail in nearby Come to the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge for a morning of photog- WITH GREG MILLER NEW Lundberg Steve Zachery Bidwell Park, and bird the rich riparian habitat. Wear long pants for black- Family Farms Staff raphy. Although concentrating on photographing birds, be prepared to take Sun 8:30 am - 1:00 pm berry bushes and shoes appropriate for mud. A$12 - Y$5 Level 2 scenic and close-up photos. Topics such as where to photograph on the Meet at Chico Masonic Family Center Charlie Mathews refuge, lighting considerations, using long lenses, and composing photo- This field trip will visit two of Chico’s best birding sites. First we will explore Field Trip Leaders: Jon Aull and Dick Cory

10 SNOW GOOSE FESTIVAL JANUARY 5, 2012

Grayscale pg10 SGF 2012 LUNDBERG FAMILY FARMS PROJECT WILD & FLYING Sun 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm WILD ACTIVITIES NEW Meet at Chico Masonic Family Center Sun 12:30 pm - 2:00 pm Tour the farm famous for its specialty rice products and for attracting wildlife to its Meet at Chico Masonic Family Center Get your organic fields. Witness first-hand how valley farm practices, and ecological farming in Join Snow Goose Festival volunteers as they lead you through a series of activities, particular, can benefit migratory and non-migratory bird populations of the Pacific games, and crafts revealing many of the extraordinary adaptations of birds and wildlife Flyway. Then we’ll visit the new, recently opened Headquarters and Visitors Center, found in the Sacramento Valley. Come join in on the fun! Ages 7-12 Y$5 where a store is stocked full of Lundberg goodies! This trip is also offered on Saturday. GREEN A$20 - Y$8 Level 1 Presenter: Festival volunteers Field Trip Leader: Lundberg Family Farms Staff CHICO BACKYARD BIRDS every week Sun 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm Meet at Chico Masonic Family Center turn to I never saw a bird like that in my backyard before, is it rare? What happened to that nice singer that spent most of the spring in my yard? I swear I saw a canary in my yard! GREENWAYS Sunday, January 29 Could it have escaped from a cage? Join Mac, who will give you tips on identifying some in the of Northern California’s birds that visit your backyard and explain why many of them PRESENTATIONS/WORKSHOPS seem to seasonally disappear. In addition, he will make suggestions regarding reference ...and more material to help you become a better backyard “birder.” A$8 - Y$5 Downtown Chico Clark Road Paradise BEGINNING BIRDING FOR KIDS Presenter: John “Mac” McCormick 345-4880 872-0812 Sun 10:00 am - 11:30 am Meet at Chico Creek Nature Center SKETCHING IN NATURE NEW Introduce the kids to the wonderful world of birds! This workshop/field trip will focus Sun 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm on the basics of birding including bird anatomy and basic identification techniques. At the Nature Center each child will get a close-up view of some of the park’s avian resi- Meet at Chico Masonic Family Center dents. We will then venture into Bidwell Park to practice our new skills on the wild Welcome to all beginners who love nature and long to form a closer relationship through birds of the park. Bring field guides and binoculars if you have them. Binoculars will be sketching. Emphasis will be on simple composition, quick drawing techniques, and light available to loan if needed. Ages 7-12. Y$5 & dark values. The class will work from projected slides and, if the weather allows, some Presenter: Jon Aull outdoor sketches. Bring a #2 pencil, fine black marker, and a sketch pad. A$8 - Y$5 Presenter: Marvey Mueller BREAKING THE SILENCE NEW Sun 11:00 am - 12:30 pm MAKE A BIRD TILE NEW Meet at Chico Masonic Family Center Sun 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm Join Zen master Lin Jensen in a talk and reading on restoring the ancient conversation with the earth. It is Lin’s contention that not only birds, dogs, and such, but stones, Meet at All Fired Up! Ceramic Art Center sticks, cabbages, clumps of desert sage, any and all elements of non-human nature People of all ages will learn how to make a sculpted tile like the ones made a couple of have been speaking to us all along. A few realize this, but most don’t because they years ago for the Annie’s Glen tunnel. You can bring an image to fit a 6” tile or create haven’t bothered to listen. From the clouds overhead to the dirt under our feet, nature spontaneously. Price includes instruction, materials, tools, and kiln firing. A$20 - Y$15 speaks to us by the very proximity of whatever natural thing is most nearly at hand. Presenter: Janice Hofmann A$8 - Y$5 Presenter: Lin Jensen 122 W. Third St. • Chico 530-895-1161 2012 Uptown - Downtown Pacific Flyway Art Exhibit & Reception

UPTOWN DOWNTOWN Avenue 9 Gallery Chico Art Center 99 180 E. 9th Ave. Uptown Chico 450 Orange Street, Suite 6, Downtown Chico (530) 895-8726 www.chicoartcenter.com $ (530) 879-1821 www.avenue9gallery.com Hours: Wed. – Sun., 12 – 5 Hours: Daily, 10 – 4

Sneak PreviewJanuary 20, 5:00-8:00 p.m. at 2 Avenue 9 Gallery and the Chico Art Center. Boss Burger PACIFIC FLYWAY ART & Fry & Soda WELCOME RECEPTION Friday, Jan. 27, 5:00 - 8:00 pm Location: Avenue 9 Gallery and Chico Art Center PACIFIC FLYWAY ART EXHIBIT Pre-Registration: $10 adult, $5 youth At the Door Cost: Additional $5 January 20 -February 12, 2012 Celebrate the opening of the festival's weekend and see wonderful works of art Feast your eyes on wonderful art by artists whose subjects include wildlife and habitat along exhibited by many talented wildlife and the Pacific Flyway. This exhibit will feature artwork in a variety of media, including sculp- landscape artists at the Pacific Flyway ture, clay, oils, watercolor, acrylics, mixed media, glass, and photography. Forty-five artists Art & Welcome Reception, Friday, Take the are participating this year. In alphabetical order: Richard Baldy, Sharon Barker, Paula January 27, 5:00pm-8:00pm. Enjoy Trolley! Beehner, Tedo Best, Kathy Burtman, Paula Busch, Steve Cook, Phyllis Cullen, Henk DeHoop, refreshments, live music, splendid conversations, and a no-host bar. Leave you car behind and Sharon Fetterman, Ruelene Fillerup, Karma Ganzler, Kathy Gerevich, Dottie Gillespie, enjoy our courtesy Maribeth Growden, Rachel Helm, Pam House, Claudia Howell, Jane King, Karen Laslo, Jim Bring a friend and meet the Lawrence, Robin Lee, Tim Lehor, Irene Lester, George Lockwood, Peter Mathios, Candy artists, along with fellow festival Uptown/Downtown Matthews, Benjamin Meester, Dolores Mitchell, Susan McConnell Moreno, Amber Palmer, participants, presenters, and trolley rides between the The Boss Burger Muriel Plank, Barbara Ramsey, Shawn Rippner, Michael Rogner, Michael Simpson, Sylvia field trip leaders at Art Galleries every half hour! 2482 Montgomery/Washington Ave. Sisley-Smejkal, Robin Smith, Charlotte Sweetland, Monica Van der Vieren, Marilyn Walsh, both galleries. 530.534.8806 Janet Weidel, Robert Woodward, Mary Wurlitzer, and Chris Yates. www.thebossburger.com

JANUARY 5, 2012 SNOW GOOSE FESTIVAL 11

C M Y K pg11 SGF 2012 PARTNERS FROM THE GROUND UP Call it the perfect partnership.

Northern California’s wetlands are a precious, yet scarce, resource. And while over 95 percent of our wetlands have been lost, millions of waterfowl still call the Central Valley home. Ducks Unlimited works hand-in-hand with California rice growers to enhance and preserve habitat, keeping rice farming viable and meeting both waterfowl and human needs. Ducks Unlimited is continually developing waterfowl-friendly land management practices and California’s Ricelands continue to produce millions of tons of rice every year. As people benefit, so do the ducks. By flooding their fields after harvest, California rice growers provide 60 percent of the food needed by wintering waterfowl, while DU’s on-the-ground conservation work provides the wetland habitat they need to flourish here in the Valley. Find out how you can partner with Ducks Unlimited and the California Rice Commission. Visit www.ducks.org and www.calrice.org/wildlife.