A Festival for All Ages

 

 

Celebrating the winter waterfowl spectacle at the 10^th Annual Snow Goose Festival in Chico

 

No matter what your age or outdoor interest, there is something for everyone at the 10^th Annual Snow Goose Festival.   Headquartered in Chico but with field trips that spread over three counties, this four-day event, January 22 –25, 2009, serves up a rich offering of nature experiences.  The cast of wildlife characters are many but the main stars of the festival are the thousands of snow geese, swans, ducks and sand hill cranes that travel the great Pacific Flyway many hundreds of miles to their winter stop in the North Sacramento Valley.

 

From little ones to Grandpa, hardy adventurers to armchair enthusiasts, everyone can see the spectacular seasonal show of the majestic Snow Geese.  As they do from November to March, tens of thousands of snow geese will hold court in rice fields and wildlife refuges waiting for festival visitors.   How can visitors see the show?

 

The high adventure types have several day-long choices that will challenge their stamina as they travel high for sightings of Evening Grosbeaks and Varied Thrushes or low for the Eurasian Wigeon and Rough-legged hawks.  Another choice for the fit – a six-mile hike in the Sutter Buttes which is rarely open to the public or a walk along the Paradise Flume Trail.  To see Snow Geese galore, energetic visitors can travel from dawn to dusk and refuge to refuge with a dedicated birding expert.  Or they can learn about birds and other wildlife while snowshoeing in beautiful Lassen Volcanic National Park.

 

The many field trips that leave from the Center offer a range of outdoor experiences that are as varied as the species and habitats in the region.  Whether it’s birding by horseback or touring a rice farm, pursuing a Red-tail on the Raptor Run or finding the fairy shrimp in a vernal pool, there is an adventure awaiting everyone.

 

For kids of all ages, the Family Owl Prowl offers a unique glimpse into the amazing nocturnal world of owls.  Kids can also make Bird Tiles for a community project, have a lesson in beginning birding at the Chico Creek Nature Center  or learn to recycle food waste and grow worms through composting. 

 

Some families may never even leave the Festival Center.  The roomy Masonic Center in Chico will be bulging with exciting exhibits and activities for children and adults.  And it’s not just about birds, there are displays about all the best nature places in the area, the many agencies that contribute to the conservation of our land, workshops on Designing Gardens for Wildlife, How to Grow and Enjoy Slow Foods plus the original art of all the children who entered the State Junior Duck Stamp contest.  Speaking of art – special Festival shows of wildlife art will be open at two local galleries!

 

For those who like to take it easy, there are gentle trips to practice birding basics or workshops that will take you on armchair adventures.  At the Center, noted photographers will give shows on techniques; birding experts will give tips on identification and local authors will share their literary interpretations of the wonders of nature.   

 

Make It a Weekend:  With very affordable rates of $75 per room per night, the two Festival Hotels make it possible to come early and enjoy a Friday night Art Exhibit and Uptown/Downtown Reception or the “Gathering of Wings Banquet” on Saturday night.  The banquet will feature keynote speaker Ed Harper – well-know birder, world traveler and photographer.