Chico CA Snow Goose Festival

Snow Geese

The Chico Snow Goose Festival celebrates the annual winter waterfowl migration in California's North Sacramento Valley.

Millions of geese, ducks, swans and other birds visit the Sacramento Valley from as far away as the Arctic regions of Alaska, Canada, and Siberia, making the valley the most important wintering area along the great Pacific Flyway.

Geese, swans, ducks, and sandhill cranes have been spending their winters in the Sacramento Valley for thousands of years.

Waterfowl and shorebirds migrate south on all the U.S. flyways, but on other routes cold weather keeps them on the move. In the Sacramento Valley, mild winters allow the birds to stay in one area, creating a viewing opportunity nowhere else available.

The Festival features dozens of field trips and workshops that range out into six counties. The field trips spread out into the rice fields, wildlife refuges, and river walks where mild winter weather, abundant food and lots of water draw the avian arrivals.

Local wildlife naturalists lrad field trips to educate participants about waterfowl and other migratory birds. In rice fields and on refuges, birding experts describe how to pick out a swan from a goose from a duck. Other field trip leaders will focus on sand hill cranes and their dancing behavior.

Some trips are scheduled around fly-offs when thousands of snow geese take off as they move to a new feeding. Observers are likely to find ducks and geese as trip leaders have scouted out the best viewing sites.

The Festival also celebrates plant and animal life in the North Sacramento Valley. There are programs on wildlife and habitats in addition to rice fields and refuges.

Some field trips explore habitats including vernal pools, grasslands, nature preserves and even hiking in scenic Sutter Buttes.

Festival workshops explore nature photography, beginning birding, birds of your backyard, watchable wildlife, wood ducks, decoy duck carving, and other wildlife-related activities. Also featured are wildlife art exhibits and nature displays.

A Friends of Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge webcam provides views of a seasonal wetlands pond with migrating waterfowl and raptors. 

For more information, or visit the Snow Goose Festival website at www.snowgoosefestival.org.

Gear and Equipment to Carry for Wildlife Watching

The right gear and equipment can greatly enhance the experience of wildlife watching.

In many cases, binoculars are essential, allowing for a closer look at animals in their natural habitat without causing disturbance.

A camera may also be useful for capturing the beauty of wildlife; even a simple point-and-shoot can suffice for beginners.

Field guides, whether in book form or as a mobile app, are invaluable for identifying and learning about different species.

For those planning to spend extended periods outdoors, appropriate clothing is crucial. Layering is key, with a base layer that manages moisture, an insulating layer to retain warmth, and a protective outer layer to shield against the elements.

Comfortable, waterproof footwear is also important, as conditions can vary from wet marshlands to dry, rocky paths.

A hat and sunglasses will provide protection from the sun, while gloves and a warm hat are necessary for colder climates.

A backpack is usually useful for carrying supplies, which should include water, snacks, a first-aid kit, and other gear.

For the tech-savvy, a smartphone loaded with relevant apps can serve as a multifunctional tool, offering access to field guides, GPS mapping, and the ability to record sightings.

Others may choose low tech gear such as a traditional compass, paper map, and notepad with pencil.

In addition to equipment, patience and respect for wildlife and habitats is important. A useful rule of thumb is to observe without impacting the natural behavior of wildlife.

With the right preparation and gear, wildlife watching can be a rewarding and educational experience, offering a unique glimpse into the lives of wild animals and the ecosystems they inhabit.

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