Discovering the Joys of Birding:

An Introduction for Beginners

Saturday, April 19, 2025

9:00 am - 3:30 pm

Spring is a great time for many birds at Point Reyes. Coastal estuaries such as Limantour Estero or Bolinas Lagoon are extremely rich feeding areas for thousands of ducks, shorebirds, grebes and other waterbirds.

Many hawks, falcons and other raptors occur in large numbers due to these rich feeding conditions. Warblers, thrushes, kinglets and other landbirds are also found here in huge numbers.

This class will cover the basics of field identification in a fun, relaxed atmosphere. While observing birds in a variety of habitats, this program will offer insights into the use of binoculars, scopes, apps and field guides.

David will share techniques that will enhance your birding skills. Come discover why birding is one of the most popular pastimes in the country, and why Point Reyes is one of the best locations to enjoy it! This class will meet aat the Beawr Valley Picnic Area.

This class is sponsored by the Point Reyes Field Institute.

Spring Migration at Point Reyes

Friday, May 2, 2025

8:30 am - 3:300 pm

sponsored by the Point Reyes Institute

Explore the varied habitats of Point Reyes National Seashore at the peak of the bird breeding season. Around Bear Valley we will look for resident and neotropical breeding species, including Pacific-slope and several other flycatchers, vireos, sparrows and warblers.  Grebes, loons and other waterbirds will be our focus at Drakes Beach.  Osprey, Red-shouldered Hawk and Northern Harrier are raptors that frequent these areas.  The class may visit other coastal locations as well to view seabirds.  We will meet at the picnic area near the Bear Valley Visitor Center. The class will focus on identification and bird behavior in a series of short walks.

Natural History of the Point Reyes Headlands

TBD

sponsored by the Point Reyes Field Institute

The area between the Lighthouse, Chimney Rock and Drakes Beach is one of the most visually striking in the national seashore.  In the spring its natural history is equally rich. Blooming paintbrush, lillies, iris and other wildflowers put on a dramatic and diverse display.  Young or molting Elephant Seals rest on beaches while Harbor Seals, California Sea Lions and other pinnipeds feed in the rich marine habitat. This can be a good time to see migratory Gray Whales, perhaps mothers with their nursing calves. Pigeon Guillemot, Common Murre and Brandt's Cormorant are some of the birds nesting in the area while loons, Surf Scoter and Brant migrate past the point, sometimes in the thousands. All this and more contribute to a wonderfully rich tapestry of biological diversity. In several short hikes we will explore this area and discover its full splendor. The class will meet at the Lighthouse parking lot.


Point Reyes Birding and Nature Festival

April 25 - 27, 2025

Many field trips and presentations led by some of the most knowledgeable naturalists and biologists in the Bay Area. David will be leading field trips on every day.

http://www.pointreyesbirdingfestival.org/

Shorebirds at Point Reyes

TBD 2025
Sponsored by the Point Reyes Field Institute

Limantour Beach and estero are some of the most productive wetlands at Point Reyes National Seashore. On this exploration hike we will visit the the area to observe a variety of shorebirds and other birds which we will study.

This is an especially good time to observe and learn the differences between phalaropes and plovers, Sanderlings and sandpipers. Breeding species like Snowy Plover are joined by migrant godwit, dowitchers and a variety of small sandpipers. Elegant Terns, Surf Scoters and other ducks, raptors and additional birds may be seen on this four-mile hike.

Fall Migration at the Point

TBD, 2025

Sponsored by Point Reyes Field Institute

Fall can be one of the most exciting times for birding at Point Reyes National Seashore. Specific conditions and weather patterns may cause a wide variety of migrant warblers, flycatchers and other land birds to rest and feed in trees near the Lighthouse, ranches and Drakes Beach.

Migration can be especially dramatic at this time when many surprises and unusual birds have been discovered. Warblers may include common migrants like Townsend's and Yellows, but also surprises from other parts of California and the entire continent.

During this outing we will explore a wide variety of habitats in search of these species, raptors, shorebirds and any other birds that may be in the area. This class will meet at the Chimney Rock parking area. It will consist of several short walks.