AltaCal Bird Alliance

06/01/2026

If you missed our monthly presentation in March, you can now view it on our YouTube channel!

You can see many other past Presentations on our Youtube, so be sure to subscribe and click the bell to be notified when we post new videos.

California Waterfowl Association’s Habitat Conservation Work
Presenters: Robert Eddings and Scott Capra

Robert Eddings, the VP of Conservation Programs, gives an overview of the California Waterfowl Association, and their mission. He highlights habitat conservation programs and activities state-wide, such as restoration/enhancement, conservation easements, and land ownership and public access programs, as well as providing details about properties in the Butte Sink.

Scott Capra, a Regional Biologist, highlights several of the Association's projects in the North Sacramento Valley on public lands, such as Grey Lodge, and Upper Butte Basin Wildlife Areas.

https://youtu.be/q4yOS9EXDsU?si=Z8V0XZjqEMufco8H

Presented by: Robert Eddings and Scott CapraRobert Eddings, the V...

05/26/2026

Saturday, May 30, 8:00am - 11:00am
Trip Leaders: Joyce Bond & Noah Berg
Limit: 14 participants

Registration link: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/birding-and-botany-at-paradise-lake

On this joint AltaCal Bird Alliance and California Native Plant Society field trip, we’ll observe the birds and plants of the forest and lakeside habitats along scenic Paradise Lake. Bird sightings here often include Bald Eagles (maybe on a nest), Osprey, grebes and other waterfowl, and a variety of woodpeckers, vireos, and spring migrant warblers. We will also learn how to identify the native trees and shrubs along the trail, which host a variety of bird species. The walk is approximately 4 miles round-trip on a level, easy trail. We’ll have a carpool leaving from Chico at 7:15 am, as it’s about a 45-minute drive. Meeting place, directions, and information will be sent to those who sign up. Contact Joyce Bond at [email protected] if you have any questions.

Western Grebes by John Seid

05/20/2026

Feather River Trail
Saturday, May 23, 8:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Trip Leaders: Grant Heath and Karen White
Limit 12 participants

Registration link: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/feather-river-trail

Join us this Saturday for an easy stroll on the paved path along the Feather River in Oroville. We can expect to see regular residents such as Woodpeckers, Scrub Jays, Herons, Egrets, Mergansers, Gulls, Osprey, and more. We’ll be keeping an eye out for migrants as well. Bring binoculars/camera, water and snacks. We will meet at Park n Ride on Fir Street in Chico (the lot closest to the freeway) at 8:00am. Or you can meet us at the public parking lot at Montgomery and Myers Street in Oroville at 8:30.
For questions contact Grant Heath, [email protected].

Hooded Merganser by JT Lewis

05/19/2026

Join AltaCal Bird Alliance and California Native Plant Society on a field trip to Paradise Lake, Saturday, May 30, 8 - 11 a.m. Take a leisurely stroll to observe birds and plants of the forest and lakeside. Please register at the link provided. Space is limited.

Saturday, May 30, 8–11 am Trip Leaders: Joyce Bond & Noah Berg Limit: 14 participants Juvenile Bald Eagle photo courtesy of Pamela WaldsmithOn this joint AltaCal Bird Alliance and California Native Plant Society field trip, we’ll observe the birds and plants of the forest and lakeside habita...

05/15/2026

May Program - AltaCal's Annual Pot Luck
Monday, May 18, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Chico Creek Nature Center

Please join us and celebrate friendships and our common love for birds and the natural world at our annual potluck dinner on Monday, May 18, 6:30 p.m. at Chico Creek Nature Center. We’ll have a chance to visit with old and new friends, talk about birds and birding, and share stories of recent and future adventures and travels.

Remember there are no programs in June, July, and August so you don’t want to miss this one. Bring a dish to share, a beverage for yourself or to share, a plate and fork, and a chair if you like.

05/13/2026

Join Grant Heath and Karen White for an easy stroll along the Feather River in Oroville, Saturday, May 23, 8:30 am - 11:00 am. See what the Feather River Trail holds for waterfowl and songbirds. Register by clicking the link below:

Saturday, May 23, 8:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.Trip Leaders: Grant Heath and Karen WhiteLimit 12 participantsBlack-Necked Stilt photo by Joan RobbinsJoin us for an easy stroll on the paved path along the Feather River in Oroville. We can expect to see regular residents such as Woodpeckers, Scrub Jays, He...

05/13/2026

Join us Saturday, May 16, 10am-4pm for another great Slacker Saturday field trip to Drumheller Slough Unit and SNWR with Skip Augur.

Saturday, May 16, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.Trip Leader: Skip AugurPhoto courtesy of Pamela WaldsmithWe will meet at Chico Park & Ride (nearest to 99) at 10:00 a.m. and then we’ll drive to the Drumheller Slough Unit along the Sacramento River to check for spring migrants; the walk there is around 45 m...

05/12/2026

Slacker Saturday at Drumheller Slough Unit & SNWR
Saturday, May 16, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Trip Leader: Skip Augur

Registration link: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/slacker-saturday-at-drumheller-slough-unit-and-snwr-2

We will meet at Chico Park & Ride (nearest to 99) at 10:00 a.m. and then we’ll drive to the Drumheller Slough Unit along the Sacramento River to check for spring migrants; the walk there is around 45 minutes on level unpaved trails in a nice riparian habitat. We may see wrens, thrushes, woodpeckers and more. We'll then continue on to the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge to see what's remained from the winter, as well as check on the local resident birds. There is a vehicle fee of $5.50. Free with a National Parks Pass – America the Beautiful. Contact Skip Augur [email protected], 530-519-4724 for questions.

Varied thrush by Karen White

05/05/2026

Lime Saddle Memorial Park Trail
Saturday, May 9, 8:30 - 11:00 a.m.
Trip Leaders: Diana Hoffmeister and Pamela Waldsmith
Limit 10 participants
Registration link: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/lime-saddle-memorial-park-trail

Join us for a springtime bird and wildflower walk on a quiet trail through rolling hills of chaparral-oak-pine with views of Lake Oroville. This is an out-and-back walk, about 3.5 miles, with some elevation (< 400’), and uneven, rocky ground. Sturdy walking shoes are recommended. Bring water, snacks, and binoculars. Walking poles are optional. Meet us at the trailhead just off Pentz Rd. at 8:30. Park in the gravel lot which will be on your right just past Lime Saddle Road that leads to the Marina, not the campground! For questions, contact Diana Hoffmeister, [email protected].

05/04/2026

If you missed our Monthly presentation in February, Otters for Waters by Wendy Doherty, you can now watch it on our YouTube!

Hit the subscribe button to stay up to date on future video releases.

https://youtu.be/Y60ZuIpR0Yo

Otters for Waters - February 2026