Discover why birding is becoming a popular family hobby during this hands-on beginning birding class.

We will begin our day exploring skulls, bones, feathers, and nests. After learning field identification basics, we’ll hit the trail with binoculars in hand in search of our feathered friends.

During the walk, we’ll be on the lookout for birds as diverse as American Robins, Western Bluebirds, California Quail, Acorn Woodpeckers and Hawks. Along the way we’ll play games to help us find, and learn about, birds, here in the park, in your neighborhood and beyond!

Bring your favorite young companion and a sense of wonder and join us for an interactive and fun day of observing, investigating and learning that teaches us about the fascinating life of birds.

Children must be accompanied by an adult. This class is for children ages 5-10 with their adult chaperone.

Sharon Barnett is passionate about sharing her knowledge and sense of wonder with others, especially children. Known to many children as “Sharon heron”, she has been teaching environmental education for more than 20 years. Sharon is the 2011 Terwilliger Environmental Award winner for excellence in environmental education and teaches teaches science at Marin Country Day School and Hiking Marin Trails for College of Marin. She also designs and leads programs for Point Reyes Field Institute, Marin Nature Adventures and volunteers for Point Reyes National Seashore Association.

Details:

-We will be meeting at the Red Barn Classroom in Bear Valley, Point Reyes

– 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 (if you have them). We will have a limited number available to borrow.

Day Pack

Lunch Bag/Snack if desired

Warm Variable Weather Clothing

Hiking Shoes

Water Bottle

Notebook and Pen/Field Journal (optional)

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.

Interested in becoming a member of PRNSA? Click Here!

Interested in becoming a PRNSA Field Institute facilitator? Want to take classes for FREE while helping out a great cause? Give us a call!

Are you an outdoor educator or artist who would like to teach a PRNSA Field Institute class? Shoot us an Email!

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

• We recommend that all participants continue to wear masks at this time, however, in accordance with CDC guidelines, exceptions can be made for fully vaccinated individuals

• Fully vaccinated individuals may remove masks for outdoor classes, but we recommend continuing to maintain a 4’-6’ distance from other participants

• Unvaccinated individuals are required to wear a face covering unless farther than 6’ from other participants in an outdoor class

• At this time masks are required for all participants indoors regardless of vaccination status

• 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.