Fall Migration at the Seashore: Waterbirds and Raptors
November 20, 2022By early November most of our wintering birds have arrived at the productive and diverse habitats of Point Reyes. Abbotts Lagoon and Tomales Bay are important habitats for thousands of ducks, loons, grebes and other waterbirds. Additionally a good variety of shorebirds can be found on the mud flats, marshes and beaches.
These habitats and the adjacent grasslands provide good habitats for hawks, harriers, falcons and other raptors. Ferruginous Hawks spend the winter here. The fall and winter are the seasons of greatest abundance for raptors at Point Reyes.
We will focus on bird identification and behavior during short and easy hikes. This class begins with a three mile walk at Abbotts Lagoon followed by shorter walks at the edge of Tomales Bay. We will also visit other upland habitats and an overlook of the Giacomini wetlands, one of the largest wetland restoration projects on the California coast.
David Wimpfheimer is a professional naturalist and biologist. For thirty-five years David has pursed his passion, natural history of the American West. He enthusiastically shares his extensive knowledge about all aspects of the natural world with many groups including Smithsonian Institution, California Academy of Sciences, Road Scholar and Oceanic Society.
Details:
-We will be meeting at the Abbotts Lagoon Parking Lot
– Please arrive 10-15 minutes early to check in
– Refunds available for all classes 7 days in advance of the start date, after 7 days and before 2 days, participants can credit their class for a future date. All requests before 48 hours in advance will be declined. For COVID cancellation policy, see below.
– Please follow the parking instructions for the facility used that day
– Please provide an email you check regularly for updates and reminders about your class
– Registration is required online prior to the event in order to maintain class sizes
– Sales end 48 hours before the start date.
– Waitlists are available when the class sells out
What to Bring:
Binoculars are required for this class
Day Pack
Lunch Bag
Warm Variable Weather Clothing
Hiking Shoes
Water Bottle
Notebook and Pen/Field Journal
Eventbrite Confirmation Email
Camera (Optional)
About the PRNSA Field Institute:
The PRNSA Field Institute offers hands-on environmental education classes throughout the year that foster enjoyment of Point Reyes National Seashore. Our classes are led by expert instructors, who take you out of your everyday life and into the natural world. We host a variety of classes about the arts and sciences and have something for everyone. You can reach the Field Institute at (415) 663-1200 x304 or by email at fieldinstitute@ptreyes.org.
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For any questions, please email us at fieldinstitute@ptreyes.org.
COVID-19 Field Institute Guidelines
In accordance with Marin County and CDC guidelines for public health, we will require all participants to respect the following COVID-19 procedures:
• Perform a health self-check before coming to class using the CDC Symptoms of Coronavirus as a guide
• Do not attend class if you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, suspect you have been exposed to the virus, or are suffering from any other flu-like or respiratory illness.
• Participants exhibiting signs of respiratory illness may be asked to leave class
During class all participants will be required to do the following
• Masks are optional outdoors but we recommend continuing to maintain a 4’-6’ distance from other participants or wearing a mask if gathered closely together
• Masks are optional indoors but strongly recommended
• Bring your own food and water
• We reserve the right to modify requirements as recommended by NPS regulations or local county health orders at the time of class
NOTE: Refund policy exceptions will be made for participants cancelling last minute due to COVID-19 infection or symptoms. Please contact us in this case.
Thank you for your continuing cooperation in following these guidelines to help keep everyone safe.