The Ashland CBC will take place on Sunday, December 17. The count circle is centered at the northwest corner of Emigrant Lake, including both the northeastern slopes of Mount Ashland and the western slopes of the Cascades (as far east as Little Hyatt Lake). Also included are the steep Siskiyou Mountain woodlands, extensive farmland, grassland and oak savannah habitats in the eastern section, as well as the entirety of the city of Ashland with its parks, gardens, and riparian habitats.

See the CBC page for more information.

The Medford CBC will take place on Saturday, December 30. This count encompasses Medford, Central Point, White City, and Eagle Point. Birding hotspots such as Whetstone Savanna Preserve, Table Rocks, Agate Lake, Denman Wildlife Area, Prescott Park, and the Bear Creek Greenway area are all included in this section!

See the CBC page for more information.

First Wednesday Bird Walk has resumed at the Denman Wildlife Area. Walks begin at 8:30 am and end before noon. Jim Hostick is the leader. The gate will be open from 8:00 – 8:20 am. Participants need to purchase an ODFW Area Parking Permit at the ODFW Office, Sportsman Warehouse on Delta Waters and Highway 62 in Medford, or at Bi-Mart. We request that all participants be vaccinated for COVID-19.

Directions to meeting spot: We will meet at the entrance off Agate Rd. between 1/4 and 1/2 mile past the fire station on the left side of the road. Coming out Table Rock Rd., turn right on Antelope Rd. and go to the light on Agate Rd. and turn left. The fire station will be on your left at the corner of Ave. G and Agate Rd. Go 1/4 to /12 mile past the fire station and the gate will be on your left. Coming out on Highway 62 to Antelope Rd., turn left and go to the next light. Turn right and continue to the gate on Agate Rd.

Leaders: Janet Kelly & Vince Zauskey

Saturday, January 6th, 8 am until noon. Meet at the Dollar Tree parking lot near the intersection of Highways 140 and 62 in White City at 7:45 am for carpooling. With limited pullout spot, we will limit the trip to three cars and 8 participants. Birds we may see include: Snow and Cackling Goose, Tri-colored and Yellow -headed Blackbirds, Northern Shrike, and Prairie Falcon. If raining, the trip will be canceled.

To register and to reserve a space for this free hike email: chamkell@msn.com.

Sunday, January 21st 2 – 3 pm
“Attracting and Sustaining Hummingbirds in the Rogue Valley”

Presented by Robin McKenzie

This class explores the 4 types of hummingbirds that are likely visitors to your garden, and how to sustain them by planting both native and non-native flowering plants.

We’ll explore the plants by growing season to keep the hummers visiting from early spring to late fall. If you have a sunny or shady garden, you’ll learn what plants will attract these flying jewels. We will also cover overwintering our Anna’s by keeping their nectar feeders from freezing.
Robin McKenzie is a landscape designer and wildlife photographer who lives with her backyard bird friends in Talent, OR

Presented by Dan Airola

Purple Martins have been in long-term decline in California. Since the 1990s, Dan Airola has been studying and working to conserve the last Central Valley population, which nests uniquely in elevated freeways and overpasses in Sacramento. He also has conducted status surveys throughout Northern California. His talk presents these study results, and describes conservation measures that have been implemented and are needed to protect and recover the species.

About the Speaker
Dan Airola is a Wildlife Biologist and Ornithologist who has worked on Purple Martins research and conservation issues for over 30 years in Northern California. Dan is a member of the Western and California Purple Martin Working Groups. In addition to martins, his recent conservation research topics have included the Tricolored Blackbird, Swainson’s Hawk, Yellow-billed Magpie, Osprey, fire-adapted forest species, migrant songbirds, and diving ducks. Dan also serves as the editor of the Central Valley Bird Club’s regional ornithological journal Central Valley Birds, and is a recent president of the Western Section of the Wildlife Society.

This presentation will be via Zoom, with the possibility of a watch party at the Congregational Church – stay tuned for details.

January 25 – 28, 2024
Patrick Ranch Museum, Chico, CA

Join us in the search for winter birds of the Pacific Flyway on 4-days of action-packed field trips with experienced trip leaders, plus more. Registration begins in early December. If you have any questions, you can reach us at info@snowgoosefestival.org, or by calling the Festival Office at 530-592-9092