TOURS
November 6 -9, 2025
7:30am - 5:00pm
The Swan Festival will have a variety of tours for all interest levels and ages. Enjoy bird-watching tours, explore the beauty of local flora and fauna, hike in the mysterious Sutter Buttes volcanic range, visit a local rice farm, or get an introduction to birding.
All tours will be emailed meeting location. There is not a festival HUB this year. We have replaced a festival HUB with a Kick-off party on Friday at Cordi Winery. Please note tours are not finalized at this time. For updated information please sign-up for our email list by contacting info@sutterbutteslandtrust.org
Registration opens October 7, 2025
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 Sutter Buttes Regional Land Trust (SBRLT) at info@sutterbutteslandtrust.org or 530-755-3568.
If the festival must cancel an event, registered attendees for that event will be notified via email.
Attendees will be offered the following options:
- register for substitute activities of the same value
- donate registration fee to SBRLT programs
- full refund minus processing fee (allow up to 4 weeks for processing)
Tour Difficulty Ratings
The following rating system for tours will give you an idea of the difficulty level involved.
(1) Wheelchair accessible
(2) Birding by car and/or easy walking
(3) Lots of driving and walking could involve distance
but largely flat
(4) More vigorous hiking, with some elevation gain/loss
(5) A true adventure trip with strenuous hiking
Cost Structure
Adult = 18 years old and older
Youth= 13-17 years old
Kids = 0-12 years old
Most field trips will end at the field trip location.
REGISTRATION OPENS OCTOBER 7TH
TOURS
Thursday, November 6th
Sunset, Swans and Rice at Montna Farms in Dingville
Tour # 101
Time: 3:00pm-5:30pm
Meet: Montna Farms Main Office, 12755 Garden Highway, Yuba City, CA
Difficulty: 2
Limit: 25 people
Cost: $20/adult, $10/youth/kids
SOLD OUT
Description: One of the main reasons the Sacramento Valley is so attractive to wintering waterfowl is because the multitude of rice farming operations provide vast acreages of temporary wetlands in which the birds can rest and feed. One of the premier spots to view waterfowl and other birds wintering on flooded rice fields is Montna Farms. Located in Dingville, just south of Yuba City, CA, agriculture and wildlife blend in harmony at Montna Farms. Jon Munger, President, will share with us how rice moves from field to fork through growing, drying, storing, milling and marketing. We’ll discover how California’s rice industry is sustaining agriculture and waterfowl. Then we’ll see the huge fields of wintering waterfowl, where we’ll get great views of Tundra Swans, geese, ducks, White-faced Ibis, herons, egrets, raptors, and lots more!
Leaders: Jon Munger and David Rosen
TOURS
Friday, November 7th
Gray Lodge Wildlife
Tour #201
Time: 7:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Meet: Gray Lodge Main Parking
Difficulty: 2
Limit: 15
Cost: Free (Lands Pass fee online or in-person Cash $5.66)
SOLD OUT
Description: Gray Lodge Wildlife Area is a jewel in the crown of the CA Department of Fish and Wildlife. More than a million waterfowl can’t be wrong! Gray Lodge’s habitat diversity and location along the Pacific Flyway make it a magnet for ducks, geese, and other wildlife. Surrounded by miles of rich agricultural land, this 9,100-acre area is intensively managed primarily for wintering waterfowl. The Sutter Buttes make a perfect backdrop for the wetlands in which the birds congregate. This is a great trip to see four or more species of geese, nearly a dozen species of ducks, including Eurasian Wigeon, several raptor species, lots of wading birds, and songbirds in the riparian vegetation. Laura will lead us on a short walk, through the wetlands and woodlands, to an observation platform with views of huge flocks of waterfowl. Then we’ll travel around the one-way auto loop, which has great views of the wetlands and waterfowl from both sides of the vehicles. The group will be in constant communication with Laura using walkie-talkies.
1st Annual Kick-off Party w/Tour Options
Tour #204
Kick-off Party
Time: 4:00pm-7:00pm
Meet: Cordi Winery – 10401 Ingram Lane, Live Oak, CA 95953
Difficulty: N/A
Limit: TBD
Cost: $35/$25 Members
Description: *6 TICKETS AVAILABLE *Please reach out to purchase tickets* info@sutterbutteslandtrust.org
Join us for an evening of local food, wine, and connection with fellow conservation-minded community members—plus a silent auction, optional guided nature walk before the event, and a special cultural presentation by the Nisenan Tribe of Nevada City.
Ticket includes: A choice of one tour, (limited spaces available). Food, drink and one glass of wine.
Schedule of Events:
2 PM – 4 PM: Tours
4 PM – 5 PM: Presentations
5 PM – 7 PM: Wine, food and auction begins. Please note, food & wine will not be served until after all presentations.
Birding at Cordi Winery - Kick-off Party Tour
Tour # 202
Cordi Winery Walk
Time: 2:00pm-4:00pm
Meet: Cordi Winery – 10401 Ingram Lane, Live Oak, CA 95953
Difficulty: 2
Limit: 20 people
Cost: Included with Kick-off party ticket – $25 w/out
Description: Led by Sutter Buttes Regional Land Trust Board members Ben Chandler and Margit Sands, this relaxed tour will also venture into neighboring Schaeffer Ranch, where a gentle climb rewards you with a stunning overlook of the winery.
Tour ticket is included in the cost of the Kick-off Party. Space is limited, book by October 30th.
Leader: Ben Chandler and Margit Sands (guides) SBRLT board members will take visitors on a leisure stroll around the Cordi Winery vineyards and dip into nearby Schaffer Ranch to observe a variety of wildlife and enjoy the scenic views. This tour cost is if only wanting to purchase the tour only and not attend the Kick-off Party.
Shaeffer Ranch Kick-Off Party Tour
Tour # 203
Hike
Time: 2:00pm-4:00pm
Meet: Cordi Winery – 10401 Ingram Ln, Live Oak, CA 95953
Difficulty: 2
Limit: 20
Cost: Included w/Kick-off party ticket – $35
FULL
Description: The Swan Festival’s Shaeffer Ranch hike offers a rare opportunity to access the Sutter Buttes, the smallest mountain range in the world! The Shaeffer Ranch is located on the north side of the Sutter Buttes and has been in the same family since the 1860’s. This approximately two hour afternoon hike will explore the beautiful oak grassland habitat that is found on the property with the goal of viewing the old Titan Missile site and, if the afternoon is clear, views of Mt Shasta and Mt Lassen. Expect some moderate elevation gain and loss, and cross country hiking or hiking on animal trails through the grasslands as we make our way to the viewing areas. Be sure and wear sturdy boots or shoes – no open toed shoes and no crocs. Hiking poles, water and a snack are recommended. This hike will begin and end at the Cordi Winery.
Tour is included in the ticket price for the Kick-off party. Space is limited to first come, first served on the tours. Book by October 30th.
Leaders: Curt Aikens and Carolyn Brown
TOURS
Saturday, November 8th
Birding Beale Air Force Base
Tour # 301
Bus with light walking
Time: 7:30am-12pm
Meet: Schnieder Gate (main gate)
Difficulty: 2
Limit: 24 people
Cost: $20/adult, $10/youth/Kids
Registration Closes Oct 23th
SOLD OUT *Tour will cancel if government shutdown continues*
Description:
Beale AFB tour registration will end October 23rd to allow for military staff to fully vet all participants (needed 2 weeks prior to tour date). This is rare opportunity to look for birds on Beale Air Force Base. Department of Defense facilities preserve some of best remaining habitats in the U.S. and Beale is a great example. The base includes one of largest and best-preserved areas of Central Valley grassland, a habitat under severe threat from urban development and conversion to agriculture. A base biologist will accompany us as we search the grasslands for Ferruginous and Rough-legged Hawks, and several other raptor species, maybe even a Bald or Golden Eagle. Falcons may include American Kestrel, Merlin, and Prairie Falcon. Horned Larks and Western Meadowlarks should be abundant. Surprises like Mountain Bluebirds are also possible this time of year. We will also visit some large ponds that can harbor several species of waterfowl and an oak riparian zone with its own suite of typical species. The trip will be by van with multiple short stops and one short walk on flat ground. If there’s enough time, we may drive by some other points of interest on the base, including an SR71 Blackbird strategic reconnaissance aircraft that flew over Mach 3!
Important Note: The tour group will be required to check-in at the Schneider gate where Security Forces will check IDs. Vehicles will be left in the parking lot and participants will load onto vans for base entry. Once on the van, the tour will head out to Miller Lake and Upper Blackwelder. The tour will also have an opportunity to visit the SR71 or U2 display. To gain access to the base, each adult participant MUST provide their full legal name, social security number, date of birth, and CA REAL ID number at least 2 weeks prior to the event for pre-screening. Participants MUST present a CA REAL ID OR PASSPORT W/ CA ID at the gate to check-in. Those with a felony record will not be admitted on base (no exceptions). Any and all weapons and/or drugs brought on base is considered a federal crime.
Leaders: Tamara Gallentine (Beale AFB), Elsa Chen (CSU-CEMML)
Nature of the Sutter Buttes - Hike on Dean Place
Tour # 302
Hike
Time: 8:00am-2:30pm
Meet: On-Site: Directions will be emailed before the tour.
Difficulty: 2
Limit: 20
Cost: $40/person
SOLD OUT
Description: Lace up your hiking boots, grab your trekking poles and binoculars, and join this rare opportunity to gain access to an area normally not open to the public! Explore the secluded depths of the interior of the Sutter Buttes, the smallest mountain range in the world, as we visit the 100-year-old Dean Place Cattle Ranch. The focus on this three-mile walk will be on the birds of the Buttes and we’ll hopefully see such gems as Golden Eagle, Phainopepla, Rufous-crowned Sparrow, Mountain Bluebird, Varied Thrush, lots of winter sparrows, and with luck, geese and swans flying high over the Buttes. Prepare for some moderate climbing and mostly uneven ground. Be sure to bring binoculars, lunch, water, and sturdy boots/shoes and hiking sticks, if you have them. Bring food and water. No early departures on this trip.
Leader: Carolyn Brown
Swan Tour
Tour # 303
Car Tour
Time: 8:00-10:30am
Meet: Swan tour staging area, address available upon tour registration
Duration: 2.5 hours
Difficulty: 2
Limit: 10 vehicles
Cost: $20/adult, $10/youth, Free/kids
Description: Come along on this exciting tour featuring Yuba County’s wintering tundra swans. Be prepared to witness the Pacific Flyway in all its glory. A naturalist from California Department of Fish and Wildlife will be your guide to the remarkable migratory bird populations using flooded rice fields to forage and overwinter. This area boasts one of the largest seasonal concentrations of tundra swans in the Central Valley, as well as abundant geese, ducks, shorebirds and raptors. Bring your binoculars and field guides. Dress for the weather.
Leader: California Department of Fish & Wildlife Naturalist
Birding at Bobelaine Sanctuary
Tour # 304
Hike
Time: 8:30am-12:00pm
Meet: On-Site: Directions will be emailed before the tour.
Difficulty: 3
Limit: 15
Cost: $20/adult, $10/youth/kids (not recommended for children 12 years and under)
*SOLD OUT*
Description: Bobelaine is a 430-acre National Audubon Sanctuary along the Feather River, managed by Sacramento Audubon Society. It’s a rare remnant of the riparian forests that once extended two to five miles on either side of the rivers in the Central Valley. Bobelaine is listed as an “Important Bird Area” by the National Audubon Society and the extensive forest of giant cottonwood, valley oak, sycamore, and willow is home to a wide variety of birds and wildlife throughout the seasons. We’ll explore the trails and search for the resident and wintering birds. Woodpeckers of various species should be abundant. Black-crowned Night Herons, Wood Ducks, egrets, grebes, and cormorants may be on the water. Cedar Waxwings, Yellow Warblers, Ruby-crowned Kinglets, and a variety of sparrows will be settling in for the winter. We may get looks at some of the woodland raptors such as Red-shouldered Hawk, Cooper’s Hawk, and Sharp-shinned Hawk as well. If we’re lucky, we may even see deer or a family of river otters frolicking along the river. Expect to walk about 2 miles on mostly level ground. Heavy rain will cancel trip.
Leader: Cliff Hawley
Swan Tour
Tour # 305
Car Tour
Times: 11:00am-1:30pm
Meet: Swan Tour staging area, address available upon tour registration.
Duration: 2.5 hours
Difficulty: 1 (car tour; little to no walking)
Limit: 25 people or 10 cars
Cost: $20/adult, $10/youth, Free/kids
Description: Come along on this exciting tour featuring Yuba County’s wintering tundra swans. Be prepared to witness the Pacific Flyway in all its glory. A naturalist from California Department of Fish and Wildlife will be your guide to the remarkable migratory bird populations using flooded rice fields to forage and overwinter. This area boasts one of the largest seasonal concentrations of tundra swans in the Central Valley, as well as abundant geese, ducks, shorebirds and raptors. Bring your binoculars and field guides. Dress for the weather.
Leaders: California Department of Fish & Wildlife Naturalist
Wine Walk at Cordi Winery - Walking Tour w/Wine Tasting
Tour # 306
Cordi Winery Walk
Time: 2:00pm-4:00pm
Meet: Cordi Winery – 10401 Ingram Lane, Live Oak, CA 95953
Difficulty: 2
Limit: 20 people
Cost: $20 tour only, Wine tasting fee additional $10 per person. Adult (must be 21+ to attend
Description: Reece and Teresa Cordi are granting special access for visitors to take a 1 mile leisurely stroll around the Cordi Winery vineyards and orchards to observe a close up view of the Sutter Buttes and may observe some wildlife. Discussion of wine making available for those interested. After your stroll, end the day sipping on local wine and tasting the local olive taking in the sunset over the Sutter Buttes. Wine tasting is available for those 21 and over. Tour begins promptly at 2 PM, and you may arrive 1 hour prior to the walk and stay 1 hour after. Packing a picnic is recommended.
Leader: Reece & Teresa Cordi (guides)
Sunset Swan Tour
Tour # 307
Car Tour
Times: 2:30-5:00pm
Meet: Swan tour staging area, address available upon tour registration
Duration: 2.5 hours
Difficulty: 1 (car tour; little to no walking)
Limit: 25 people or 10 cars
Cost: $20/adult, $10/youth, Free/kids
SOLD OUT
Description: Come along on this exciting tour featuring Yuba County’s wintering tundra swans. Be prepared to witness the Pacific Flyway in all its glory. A naturalist from California Department of Fish and Wildlife will be your guide to the remarkable migratory bird populations using flooded rice fields to forage and overwinter. This area boasts one of the largest seasonal concentrations of tundra swans in the Central Valley, as well as abundant geese, ducks, shorebirds and raptors. Bring your binoculars and field guides. Dress for the weather.
Leaders: California Department of Fish & Wildlife Naturalist
TOURS
Sunday, November 9th
Hike on Shaeffer Ranch
Tour # 401
Hike
Time: 8:00am-2:30pm
Meet: On-Site: Directions will be emailed before the tour
Difficulty: 2
Limit: 20
Cost: $40/person (Not recommended for children 12 years and under)
SOLD OUT
Description: This is a rare opportunity to gain access to the Sutter Buttes, the smallest mountain range in the world! The Shaeffer Ranch will host hikers to explore on the north side of the Buttes, that has been in the same family since the 1860’s. Depending on visibility, the hike will include views of North Butte, Peace Valley, and an old Titan Missile site. In this beautiful oak grassland habitat, possible bird sightings include Golden Eagle, Phainopepla, Rufous-crowned Sparrow, Mountain Bluebird, Varied Thrush, and many other winter visitors. The rock formations and the geology of this part of the Buttes is amazing. Be sure to bring binoculars, lunch, water, sturdy boots/shoes, and hiking sticks, if you have them. No early departures on this trip.
Leader: Laura Lush
Swan Tour
Tour # 402
Car Tour
Time: 8:00-10:30am
Meet: Swan tour staging area, address available upon tour registration
Duration: 2.5 hours
Difficulty: 2
Limit: 10 vehicles
Cost: $20/adult, $10/youth, Free/kids
Description: Come along on this exciting tour featuring Yuba County’s wintering tundra swans. Be prepared to witness the Pacific Flyway in all its glory. A naturalist from California Department of Fish and Wildlife will be your guide to the remarkable migratory bird populations using flooded rice fields to forage and overwinter. This area boasts one of the largest seasonal concentrations of tundra swans in the Central Valley, as well as abundant geese, ducks, shorebirds and raptors. Bring your binoculars and field guides. Dress for the weather.
Leader: California Department of Fish & Wildlife Naturalist
Exploring State Parks Peace Valley - Sutter Buttes
Tour # 403
Hike
Time: 8:15-3:00pm
Meet: On-Site: Directions will be emailed before the tour.
Duration: 6.75 hours
Difficulty: 4
Limit: 10 vehicles
Cost: $25/adult, $10/youth, $10/kids
*SOLD OUT*
Description: An exciting opportunity to venture into the California State Parks Peace Valley property, situated in the heart of the Sutter Buttes, and learn about the natural and cultural history of the site while climbing to higher elevations to gain a whole new perspective from above, with expansive views of the valley farmland below.
Leader: California State Parks Natural Resource Staff
Birding at Bobelaine Sanctuary
Tour #404
Hike
Time: 8:30am-12:00pm
Meet: Meet guide at Bobelaine parking lot at the end of Laurel Road
Difficulty: 3
Limit: 15
Cost: $20/adult, $10/youth, $10/kids (Not recommended for children 12 years and under)
5 SPOTS LEFT
Description: Bobelaine is a 430-acre National Audubon Sanctuary along the Feather River, managed by Sacramento Audubon Society. It’s a rare remnant of the riparian forests that once extended two to five miles on either side of the rivers in the Central Valley. Bobelaine is listed as an “Important Bird Area” by the National Audubon Society and the extensive forest of giant cottonwood, valley oak, sycamore, and willow is home to a wide variety of birds and wildlife throughout the seasons. We’ll explore the trails and search for the resident and wintering birds. Woodpeckers of various species should be abundant. Black-crowned Night Herons, Wood Ducks, egrets, grebes, and cormorants may be on the water. Cedar Waxwings, Yellow Warblers, Ruby-crowned Kinglets, and a variety of sparrows will be settling in for the winter. We may get looks at some of the woodland raptors such as Red-shouldered Hawk, Cooper’s Hawk, and Sharp-shinned Hawk as well. If we’re lucky, we may even see deer or a family of river otters frolicking along the river. Expect to walk about 2 miles on mostly level ground. Heavy rain will cancel trip.
Leader: Maureen Geiger
Swan Tour
Tour #405
Car Tour
Times: 11:00am-1:30pm
Meet: Swan tour staging area, address available upon tour registration
Duration: 2.5 hours
Difficulty: 1
Limit: 25 people
Cost: $20/adult, $10/youth, Free/kids
Description: Come along on this exciting tour featuring Yuba County’s wintering tundra swans. Be prepared to witness the Pacific Flyway in all its glory. A naturalist from California Department of Fish and Wildlife will be your guide to the remarkable migratory bird populations using flooded rice fields to forage and overwinter. This area boasts one of the largest seasonal concentrations of tundra swans in the Central Valley, as well as abundant geese, ducks, shorebirds and raptors. Bring your binoculars and field guides. Dress for the weather.
Leaders: California Department of Fish & Wildlife Naturalist
Sunset Swan Tour
Tour #406
Car Tour
Times: 2:30-5:00pm
Meet: Swan tour staging area, address available upon tour registration
Duration: 2.5 hours
Difficulty: 1
Limit: 25 people
Cost: $20/adult, $10/youth, Free/kids
3 SPOTS LEFT
Description: Come along on this exciting tour featuring Yuba County’s wintering tundra swans. Be prepared to witness the Pacific Flyway in all its glory. A naturalist from California Department of Fish and Wildlife will be your guide to the remarkable migratory bird populations using flooded rice fields to forage and overwinter. This area boasts one of the largest seasonal concentrations of tundra swans in the Central Valley, as well as abundant geese, ducks, shorebirds and raptors. Bring your binoculars and field guides. Dress for the weather.
Leaders: California Department of Fish & Wildlife Naturalist