Flocks of snow geese are seen as they winter over in rice paddies south of Yuba City. They probably flew here from Alaska. Snow geese breeding populations reside in California’s central valleys, the lower Colorado River, south/central New Mexico’s Rio Grande wetlands, Mexico’s northern Chihuahuan desert river basins and playa wetlands, and Mexico’s Gulf of California shorelines. In early spring they'll head back to their nesting areas. The 11th Annual Snow Goose Festival of the Pacific Flyway happens January 28-31, 2010. For information, (530) 345-1865. SacPress Photo | Kati Garner