The swans are back and Northern California birders are excited! This November, the Sutter Buttes Regional Land Trust is hosting the 6th annual California Swan Festival in Marysville. This Northern California swan festival celebrates the return of these graceful migratory birds and other waterfowl to the rice fields and wetlands of the North Sacramento Valley. Taking place November 10-12, 2023, this three-day birding event is a must-see for wildlife enthusiasts, promising the best opportunity to witness these magnificent swans anywhere in California.
Not only will birders enjoy this festival, but everyone else in the family will have something to do, too. The festival offers a wide range of activities to cater to everyone's interests.
Families with children can enjoy free hands-on learning experiences and crafts, all with a bird-related theme. Who knows? Maybe these activities will inspire the next generation of bird lovers!
Bird watchers reading this article will be thrilled to hear that there will be bird-watching tours led by knowledgeable experts. What a treat!
There are two types of native swans that can be found in this region, each with its own unique characteristics. The Tundra Swan, known for its pure white plumage and distinctive black bill, boasts a powerful presence with a five-and-a-half foot wingspan. These swans are known for their strong family bonds and their lively chatter, further binding them together. Watching them feed with their unique "dabbling" technique is a sight to behold. There is also the Trumpeter Swan, the longest and heaviest native bird in North America. It stands tall with snowy-white plumage and a hint of black near its eyes. These majestic birds are a rare sight in California but make their presence felt with their impressive size and territorial nature.
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Locally, you can witness these stunning swans in various wildlife areas such as the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge complex, Gray Lodge Wildlife Area, or by exploring the lesser-traveled roads east of the Sutter Buttes.
Look for them in large, shallow ponds, wetlands, or harvested rice fields that have been flooded. In some of the larger habitats, you may be lucky enough to see swans mingling with sandhill cranes, geese, and ducks by the thousands.
Learn about the vital role the nearby rice farms play in the swan’s winter habitat. The festival even hosts a vendor fair and unique presentations to further enhance your outdoor experience.
The Swan Festival is a fun, unique, and educational festival. It is also an opportunity to support a worthy cause. The excess proceeds from the event go toward supporting the mission of the Sutter Buttes Regional Land Trust, which protects the natural and agricultural resources in the Sutter Buttes and the surrounding region.
In addition to the bird watching and festival activities, this event highlights the beautiful nature that is abundant in the Sacramento Valley.
The California Swan Festival not only brings you closer to nature but also highlights the crucial role our region plays in supporting wildlife along the Pacific Flyway.
With nearly 8 million wintering waterfowl in the Central Valley alone, this area is a vital stopover for migratory birds. The festival's mission is to advance awareness and conservation of wintering waterfowl and other diverse wildlife in the Pacific Flyway, making it a significant event for the region. By attending the festival, you not only enjoy a weekend of outdoor fun but also contribute to the meaningful cause of wildlife preservation.
So mark your calendars and pack your binoculars because the California Swan Festival promises a weekend of avian wonder and natural beauty that the entire family can enjoy. Plan your trip to Marysville for this fun and educational weekend. If you need somewhere to stay, check out this VRBO in Yuba City, which is right across the river from Marysville. We also like this historic (and affordable!) mansion that sleeps 10 people!
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