Point Reyes Birding and Nature Festival Saturday, April 22 2016 Event Descriptions SCHEDULE
FEBRUARY 2016
FRIDAY, FULL DAY EVENTS
Birdsong Extravaganza Habitat Potential: Strategy, Tactics and Placement in Birding Friday, April 22, 2016 8:00 am – 2:00 pm Guide: Carolyn Longstreth This outing will visit many habitats to listen for and identify birdsongs that are covered on EAC’s two instructional CDs, Birding By Ear at Point Reyes and More Birding By Ear at Point Reyes. The guide will point out specific features of each song to help increase participants' recognition and recall. The itinerary for the day includes wetlands, grasslands and brushy edge habitats in “downtown” Point Reyes Station, wooded riparian trails in the vicinity of the Bear Valley Visitor Center of Point Reyes National Seashore and other productive sites in the Seashore. Participants may order one or both CDs through the Merchandise Page on the CDs will be shipped within two business days after March 1st. Shipping no longer available after April 10th. For best results, listen in advance to the portions of the CD that focus on the birds of wetlands, grasslands, chaparral and forest-­‐-­‐ several times if possible. Easy trail walking. Event Location: Various trails in Point Reyes Station and the Point Reyes National Seashore. Where to meet: Meeting location details included in registration confirmation email. What to bring: Binoculars, hiking boots, warm clothing, water Target species: Resident and breeding birds of forest, chaparral, wetlands and riparian areas as well as shorebirds and raptors. Limited to 15 participants Friday, April 22, 2016 8:00 am – 4:00 pm Guide: Josiah Clark When it comes to making every moment count in birding, how one looks is at least as important as where one looks. Drawing on strategies developed for birding Big Days and Christmas Bird Counts, this field trip aims to reveal tactics that will help birders improve their methods of coverage and ultimately find for more species. Methods and topics will include: Alternating search patterns, scanning techniques, preparing for target species, counting/estimating bird numbers, managing lists, the anatomy of a flock, nest searching and habitat specific search tactics. Habitat types and resources will be a major theme. Participants will learn to match signature local plant communities and landscape compositions with their associated bird guilds. While we sleuth out as many birds as possible in their preferred habitats, we will also take time to observe and learn about adaptations that make certain bird species especially well-­‐suited to given plant communities and environmental conditions. This field trip will take note of dozens of plant species, focusing on important resources that provide for local birds. Josiah will share conservation related information on the limiting factors of vulnerable and declining groups including cup-­‐nesting songbirds, precocial young and birds of open habitats. This class will not only make you a better birder, but also a better-­‐educated conservation advocate. Information shared here may be especially useful to those in the fields of habitat restoration, environmental planning, bird monitoring and wildlife consulting. Event location: Giacomini Wetlands and Bear Valley, Point Reyes National Seashore; Samuel P Taylor State Park, Golden Gate Recreation Area Where to meet: Meeting location details included in registration confirmation email. What to bring: Binoculars, hiking shoes, warm clothing, water, lunch Target bird or species information: A wide variety of waterfowl, shorebirds and passerines Limited to 15 participants FRIDAY, FULL DAY EVENTS
Birding Laguna de la Santa Rosa Spring at Bodega Bay Friday, April 22, 2016 8:00 am -­‐ 12:00 pm Guide: Scott Carey Discover Laguna de la Santa Rosa, an under-­‐appreciated preserve located near Sebastopol. The area's varied habitats include riparian, oak woodland, grassland and wetland. We will walk a couple of miles of the preserve trails that provide good birding as well as dramatic views of Mount St. Helena to the northeast. Resident birds found here include Bewick's Wren, Red-­‐winged Blackbird, Bushtit, Lesser Goldfinch, White-­‐tailed Kite, Red-­‐shouldered Hawk and many others. Nesting species often seen include Bullock's Oriole, Black-­‐
headed Grosbeak, Western Kingbird, Common Yellowthroat, Orange-­‐crowned Warbler and five species of swallow. During wet years the pastures and small ponds attract Mallard, Common Merganser, Sora, Cattle Egret, Great Egret, Black-­‐crowned Night Heron and migratory shorebirds such as Marbled Godwit, Long-­‐billed Curlew and Greater Yellowlegs. Event Location: Laguna de la Santa Rosa, Sebastopol Where to meet: Meeting location details included in registration confirmation email. What to bring: Binoculars; hiking boots; warm clothing; water Target species: Resident and nesting birds listed above Limited to 15 participants Friday, April 22, 2016 8:30 am – 3:30 pm Guide: Lisa Hug Bodega Bay is one of the premier birding sites in California, featuring an abundance of shorebirds, waterfowl and migrant land birds. Late April is the best time of year to see loons and grebes in their spectacular breeding plumages. Join Lisa Hug for a full day as she scours such renowned locations as Doran Beach, Bodega Harbor, Porto Bodega, Spud Point Marina and the Bodega Head for birds of all kinds. Learn to identify shorebirds, waterfowl, and other species. Easy walking. There is a $7 fee to park at Doran Park. Event location: Bodega Bay shore sites Where to meet: Meeting location details included in registration confirmation email. What to bring: Binoculars; hiking boots; warm clothing; water; lunch Target bird or species information: Peregrine Falcon, Snowy Plover, Black Oystercatcher, Pigeon Guillemot, Surfbird, Red Knot, many shorebirds and waterfowl Limited to 15 participants FRIDAY, FULL DAY EVENTS
Las Gallinas Ponds and Hamilton Wetlands Friday, April 22, 2016 8:30 am – 2:30 pm Guide: Jim White This outing will start at Las Gallinas Treatment Ponds, near San Rafael. The treatment ponds host a wide variety of wading, shore, and open water birds. Black-­‐necked Stilts and American Avocets nest at both sites and a lingering Eurasian Wigeon is always a possibility. These ponds have become a favorite destination for local birders with good reason, especially the diversity of both common and rarer species. Ridgeway’s Rail, pretty likely! Least Bittern, we’d have to be lucky. Green Heron, Common Gallinule, and Cinnamon Teal, yes, we expect to see them on a leisurely 2-­‐mile walk around the treatment ponds out to the salt marsh. These wildlife ponds demonstrate how humans can clean up our crap, while making the environment appealing to wildlife. In addition to recording over fifty species of birds here, mammal diversity is high and River Otter, Black-­‐tailed Deer, coyote and Black-­‐tailed Jackrabbits are all possible. After lunch, we will walk another mile or two at the newly restored Hamilton Wetlands, in Novato. This, one of the largest restored wetlands in the North Bay, has quickly become one of the best sites to see large numbers of shorebirds. Jim will share the story of how this area was transformed from a busy air force runway to a functioning salt marsh that fosters tremendous avian and sea life. In late April many shorebirds will be preparing for their trip to arctic breeding grounds. In addition to Black-­‐necked Stilts, Marbled Godwits and Long-­‐billed Curlew the number of avocets here can be truly astounding. This is also the best time to tell Short-­‐billed from Long-­‐billed Dowitchers. Yes, in the spring we can do this. The adjacent oak woodlands here support a diverse range of warblers, flycatchers and other land birds. Event location: Las Gallinas Treatment Ponds, San Rafael, Hamilton Wetlands, Novato. Where to meet: Meeting location details included in registration confirmation email. What to bring: Binoculars; hiking boots; warm clothing; water; lunch Target bird or species information: Waterbirds and shorebirds, birds of chaparral and grasslands Limited to 15 participants How to Draw Birds Friday, April 22, 2016 9:00 am – 2:00 pm Guide: John Muir Laws Learn how to quickly and accurately draw birds in the field and from photo reference. In this class participants will learn tricks to help quickly draw birds either for field notes or for the pleasure of sketching. Master the one-­‐minute gesture sketch and learn tricks on how to draw shorebirds, waterfowl and songbirds. After developing these skills indoors we will venture out to nearby wetlands, Olema Marsh or forest habitats to discover the basics of bird anatomy and quick field sketching. By drawing what you see, you will observe more carefully and will be able to remember the features of the birds you see. Learn tricks to see past the details to capture the essence of birds with posture, and proportions, and learn a revolutionary way of handling shading. No previous drawing experience is necessary. Bring a sketchpad and pencil. Event location: Inverness and Point Reyes National Seashore, CA Where to meet: Meeting location details included in registration confirmation email. What to bring: Sketch pad, pencil, water, and lunch. Limited to 30 participants FRIDAY, FULL DAY EVENTS
Birding Abbott’s Lagoon Land Mammals of Point Reyes Friday, April 22, 2016 9:00 am -­‐ 2:00 pm Guide: Harry Fuller Flanking the Pacific Ocean and Point Reyes’ Great Beach, Abbott’s Lagoon attracts many wintering, migrant shorebirds, waterfowl, and threatened species such as the snowy plover. Harry Fuller will share his extensive knowledge of the distribution and identification of the many bird species that participants will see on the outing. Moderate walking, including off trail. Event location: Abbott’s Lagoon Point Reyes National Seashore Where to meet: Meeting location details included in registration confirmation email. What to bring: Binoculars, spotting scope (optional), warm clothing, footwear suitable for sand, wet grass, and mud; water, lunch Target bird or species information: Raptors; scrub, grassland, and riparian land birds; waterfowl; loons; grebes; shorebirds; gulls; terns; snowy plover Limited to 15 participants Friday, April 22, 2016 9:00 – 2:00 Guide: John Harris Point Reyes National Seashore is the home of over sixty species of mammals. Many of the terrestrial species are difficult to see due to their nocturnal behaviors and other factors. This field trip will focus on finding some of them and their sign while visiting several habitats. Most of the field trip will be at Abbotts Lagoon; a region of wetlands, coastal scrub and grasslands, but the forested habitats of Tomales Bay State Park will also be a focus. There will be opportunities to look at a variety of mammal skulls and learn about their feeding and other adaptations. The variety of birds in these habitats will not be ignored on this field trip. Event location: Abbotts Lagoon, Point Reyes National Seashore; Tomales Bay State Park. Where to meet: Meeting location details included in registration confirmation email. What to bring: binoculars; camera; warm clothing; hiking shoes, lunch, water Target species: sing of and possibly live Otter, Bobcat, Coyote, Gray Fox, Mule Deer, etc. Limited to 15 participants FRIDAY, MORNING EVENTS
Chaparral Follies on Pine Mountain Friday, April 22, 2016 7:00 to 11:00 am Guide: Mark Forney Join Marin birder Mark Forney for a half-­‐day hike through the chaparral ecosystem of Pine Mountain, east of Kent Lake. This trip will be a fast-­‐paced hike along the Pine Mountain fire road, focusing on finding birds in chaparral and scrub habitats. If time allows, the group will visit the Sargent cypress forest on Pine Mountain Truck Road. Likely birds to be found in this habitat include Blue-­‐gray Gnatcatcher, Rufous-­‐
crowned Sparrow, Lazuli Bunting, Black-­‐headed Grosbeak, Ash-­‐throated Flycatcher and Purple Finch. If we are lucky, we may get Purple Martin or Red Crossbill flyovers. Pine Mountain is also potential habitat for California Thrasher and Black-­‐
chinned Sparrows, two extremely uncommon species in Marin County. Event location: Pine Mountain, Fairfax. Where to meet: Meeting location details included in registration confirmation email. What to bring: Good hiking shoes, water, lunch, sunscreen, a hat and binoculars. Target Species or Information: Blue-­‐gray Gnatcatcher, Rufous-­‐ crowned Sparrow, Lazuli Bunting, Black-­‐headed Grosbeak, Ash-­‐throated Flycatcher, Purple Finch; with luck Purple Martin or Red Crossbill. Limited to 15 participants Birding Drakes Estero Friday, April 22, 2016 8:30 am – 1:00 pm Guide: Alan Hopkins This trail through open grassland offers outstanding views of Drakes Estero and Limantour Estero and of locally rich bird life. The Home Ranch is located at the northern end of Drakes Estero, and the area around it offers a number of quality habitats for waterfowl, shorebirds, and raptors as well as resident and migratory land birds. Easy trail walking. Event location: Drake’s Estero Trail, Point Reyes National Seashore Where to meet: Meeting location details included in registration confirmation email. What to bring: Binoculars; spotting scope, if possible; hiking boots; warm clothing; water; lunch Target bird or species information: Grasshopper Sparrow; migrant shorebirds and songbirds; Tule Elk; Coyote; Bobcat Limited to 15 participants FRIDAY, MORNING EVENTS
Birds of Tomales Bay and Shorebirds at Cypress Grove Whales and More at the Outer Point Friday, April 22, 2016 8:30 am – 1:00 pm Guide: John P. Kelly For a stellar birding excursion and field discussion related to the identification, conservation and ecology of Tomales Bay birds, join John Kelly at the Cypress Grove Research Center of Audubon Canyon Ranch. Spot waterbirds and shorebirds along the shoreline of Tomales Bay, then carpool to ACR’s remote Tom’s Point preserve at the northern end of the Bay. Event location: Cypress Grove Research Center to Tom’s Point, Audubon Canyon Ranch Where to meet: Meeting location details included in registration confirmation email. What to bring: Binoculars; scope (optional); hiking boots; warm clothing; water; snack Target bird or species information: Waterbirds and shorebirds Limited to 15 participants Friday, April 22, 2016 8:00 am – 12:30 pm Guide: Sarah Allen Join marine mammal expert Sarah Allen to observe migrating California gray whales, elephant seals, breeding harbor seals, and thousands of nesting sea birds. At this time of year, gray whale mothers may be seen from the Point Reyes Headland as they escort their newborn young from southern California and Mexico to Alaska. Cormorants, Pigeon Guillemots and Common Murres nest on the rocky cliffs here and hundreds of molting elephant seals will be visible in nearby coves. Event location: Point Reyes Lighthouse; outer Point Reyes; elephant seal overlook, Point Reyes National Seashore Where to meet: Meeting location details included in registration confirmation email. What to bring: binoculars; camera; warm clothing; hiking shoes Target bird or species information: California Gray Whale; Harbor Seal, Northern Elephant Seal; California Sea Lion; Steller’s Sea Lion; Common Murre; Brandt’s Cormorant; Pelagic Cormorant; Pigeon Guillemot; Peregrine Falcon Limited to 15 participants FRIDAY, MORNING EVENTS
Kingbirds and Sparrows: Birding the STRAW Ranches Friday, April 22, 2016 8:30 am – 12:30 pm Guides: Jenni Benson, Heather Cameron and Lara White This field trip is a unique opportunity to bird riparian, woodland and grassland habitats on private lands usually not open to the public. We will start at Point Reyes Station and drive to several ranches in West Marin. These ranches have hosted the STRAW (Students and Teachers Restoring A Watershed) project which connects students to their watersheds through hands-­‐on restoration. STRAW is a Point Blue Conservation Science program. These landscapes feature mature riparian habitat and vernal ponds which host a variety of swallows, grassland sparrows, as well as herons, egrets, and occasional waterfowl. Event Locations: Private ranches in West Marin Where to meet: Meeting location details included in registration confirmation email. What to bring: Binoculars; scope if you have one, hiking boots; warm clothing; water, snacks Highlights include Western Kingbird, Bullock’s Oriole, and less common species such as Lazuli Bunting, Horned Lark and Loggerhead Shrike. Limited to 15 participants Migratory Waterbirds and Rails of Corte Madera Marsh Friday, April 22, 2016 10:30 am – 1:00 pm Guides: Roger Harris and Meryl Sundove April captures the height of the shorebird and waterfowl migration on the Pacific Flyway. Starting at the Marin Audubon Society property, we will walk to the edge of San Francisco Bay along San Clemente Creek as we watch waves of sandpipers and other waterbirds fly from the bay mudflats to the high tide refuge of the marsh. Numbers of willet, dunlin, curlew and other shorebirds can be especially impressive here. Then after the tide has risen further, we will walk to a tidal channel to listen for and perhaps see the endangered Ridgway’s Rail, which is common in this marsh. The diversity of raptors and ducks is quite high here and a river otter may enhance our visit as well. In addition to observing the behavior of these species, we will also address marsh processes, wetland vegetation, and coastal ecology. Total distance walked on level, possibly muddy levees will be about one mile. Heavy rain cancels. No restroom facilities are available at the marsh. Event Location: Corte Madera Marsh Where to meet: Meeting location details included in registration confirmation email. What to bring: Binoculars; scope if you have one, hiking boots; warm clothing; water, snacks Target bird or species information: Shorebirds; ducks; rails; raptors Limited to 15 participants FRIDAY, AFTERNOON EVENTS
Spring Migration at Limantour Friday, April 22, 2016 1:00 pm – 4:30 pm Guide: David Wimpfheimer This dynamic estuary is a critical feeding area for a large variety of waterbirds including Dunlin, Black-­‐bellied Plover, Western and Least sandpipers. Many of these waders will be in breeding plumage. Viewing Drakes Bay from the beach affords views of three species of loon, alcids, brant, scoters and possibly Red-­‐
necked Grebe. This three mile-­‐walk through dunes, muddy marsh edge and along the beach will focus on the identification and behavior of shorebirds, ducks, loons, grebes, and raptors. Event location: Limantour Beach Where to meet: Meeting location details included in registration confirmation email. What to bring: Binoculars; spotting scope (optional); boots or shoes that may get wet, warm clothing; water Target bird or species information: Shorebirds; ducks; loons; grebes; raptors Limited to 15 participants I Walk to the Trees Friday, April 22, 2016 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm Guide: Tom Gaman Cost: $30 Join Inverness forester Tom Gaman as he leads a tour of the major forests of Point Reyes and the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. He will show us how to identify the trees, and explain their ecology and biology. He will discuss threats to their well being, including Sudden Oak Death, Pitch Canker, and climate change. Trees are on the move in West Marin, in response to fire and other factors. Learn about the fascinating ecology of forests, and gain a better appreciation of our West Marin forests. Redwood forest, oak woodland, mixed evergreen, bishop pine and Douglas-­‐fir and some coastal habitats will be featured. The outing will also feature the role of fire in shaping our forests. Some hiking on trails will be part of the trip. Location: Various locations throughout Point Reyes. Where to meet: Meeting location details included in confirmation email. What to Bring: Good hiking shoes, binoculars, water, and snacks Limited to 15 participants Drakes Estero Wilderness Friday, April 22, 2016 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm Guide: Gordon Bennett The ecological heart of Point Reyes National Seashore, Drake Estero, is the only marine wilderness in the lower 48 states, and is home to an abundant diversity of birds and marine mammals. On this trip, the group will hike down Drakes Beach at low tide toward the mouth of Drakes Estero, observing shorebirds along the way. We'll hike up to a bluff overlooking the Estero with great views of sandbars full of harbor seals and resting and foraging shorebirds. The guide will also discuss the political and legal history of the creation of the marine wilderness area in Drakes Estero and its natural ecology. Event Location: Drakes Beach and Drakes Estero Where to meet: Meeting location details included in registration confirmation email. What to bring: Binoculars; scope, hiking boots; warm clothing; water, snacks Hike: moderate Target bird or species information: Shorebirds; waterfowl, loons; grebes; raptors Limited to 15 participants FRIDAY, EVENING EVENTS
Owls of Point Reyes Friday, April 22, 2016 5:30 pm – 9:00 pm Guide: Joe Mueller The largest population of northern spotted owls anywhere in the world may be found on public lands in Marin County’s diverse forest ecosystem. Learn about them and other owls in this introduction to the natural history, ecology, and biology of owls common to Point Reyes National Seashore. After the talk, join Joe on a walk through several owl habitats on the Point Reyes peninsula. Although protective regulations prohibit the playing of owl calls during the breeding season, with any luck participants will hear several species of owls during this evening walk. Owls the group might hear and/or see include spotted, great horned, barn, and Northern saw-­‐whet. Easy walking, but at night. Please have an early dinner, or bring some food to the talk. Event location: Various sites within the Point Reyes national Seashore Where to Meet: Location of event will be emaile to registrants the week of the festival. What to bring: warm clothes, small flashlight, snack Target bird or species information: Spotted owl, Great horned owl, Saw-­‐whet owl Limited to 15 participants Dessert Reception featuring “Our Changing Ocean” Friday, April 22, 2016 7:30-­‐9:00 pm Speaker: Ron LeValley Join us after dinner for a dessert and wine reception. You will have the opportunity to mingle with fellow Festival participants and meet some of our guides. Your ticket includes dessert, selection of cheeses, wine, and a keynote presentation "Our Changing Ocean," by Ron LeValley. In the past few years, Northern Californians have seen incredible concentrations of anchovies and krill along the coast while at the same time many starfish have been dying. Now the ocean is very warm and the Humpback and Blue Whales are close to shore. What is going on? Our ocean is warming, sea level is rising, dissolved carbon dioxide is increasing and more and more plastic is finding its way to the sea. These impacts have far-­‐reaching consequences to our marine animals and those of us living along the coast. Ron will describe these developments and explain how they are affecting our climate, the ocean off California and changes in distribution and seasonal movements of marine life. As an example, Ron will explain how an eddy in the California Current changes local ocean conditions. He’ll also cover El Nino, the Pacific Decadal Oscillation and other long term trends in oceanography. Finally, Ron will discuss how we can help our oceans cope with current and future conditions. Event location: Inverness Yacht Club Where to Meet: Inverness Yacht Club, 12850 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, Inverness, CA 94937 What to bring: Yourself, your friends, and a sense of fun! Limited to 80 participants Point Reyes Birding and Nature Festival Saturday, April 23, 2016 Event Descriptions SATURDAY, FULL-DAY EVENTS
Microhabitats of Inner Marin Saturday, April 23, 2016 7:00 am – 2:00 pm Guide: Dave McKenzie The beautiful drive from Point Reyes Station to the open slopes of Big Rock Ridge reveals multiple habitats from the open grasslands surrounding Nicasio Reservoir to deep redwood forest leading into the extraordinary bay-­‐oak woodland of Loma Alta. This trip will focus on species typical of each habitat with a particular emphasis on birding by ear, breeding behaviors, and the specialty birds of Big Rock Ridge. Mostly gentle walking with moderate uphill walking at Big Rock Ridge. Where to meet: Meeting location details included in registration confirmation email. Event location: Various sites including Loma Alta, Roy's Redwoods, and Nicasio Reservoir. What to bring: Binoculars; notebook; hiking boots; warm clothing; picnic lunch; water. Target bird or species information: Lazuli Bunting, Grasshopper Sparrow, Pacific Wren and Yellow Warbler Limited to 15 participants Birding to a Fault: The Pacific Plate Saturday, April 23, 2016 7:30 am – 2:30 pm Guides: Keith Hansen and Gary Page Take part in this friendly tectonic birding competition by joining Keith and Gary on the Pacific (west) side of the San Andreas Fault. The team will cover the west side of Bolinas lagoon as well as Duxbury Reef and the Pine Gulch Creek area. Expect to see about 80 species of water, forest, and grasslands birds. At 1:30 pm the outing will end at Five Brooks for a compilation meeting and lunch with the competing “Continental Plate” team, plus some birding at Five Brooks. While everyone from beginners to experts are welcome, this will be a day where we will move quickly and concentrate primarily on seeing as many species as possible. Event location: Pine Gulch Creek delta, Bolinas Lagoon, Five Brooks Where to meet: Meeting location details included in registration confirmation email. What to bring: Binoculars; hiking boots; warm clothing; water; lunch; a quick eye; a competitive spirit and the will to crush the opposing team! Target bird species: birds of forest and chaparral, shorebirds, seabirds Limited to 15 participant SATURDAY, FULL-DAY EVENTS
Birding to a Fault: The Continental Plate Owls and Woodpeckers of Point Reyes Saturday, April 23, 2016 7:30 am – 2:30 pm Guides: Peter Pyle and Lynne Stenzel Take part in this friendly tectonic birding competition by joining Peter and Lynne to bird the east side of the San Andreas Fault on the “Continental Plate”. We will bird, uncover, discover and tease out the shy on the east (Stinson Beach) side of the rift. We will begin at Stinson Beach and its environs and then work north along Bolinas Lagoon. We hope to see many species of water, forest, and grasslands birds. At 1:30 pm, the outing will end at Five Brooks for a compilation meeting and lunch with the “Pacific Plate” team, plus some birding at Five Brooks. This is not a good trip for beginning birders: the team will move quickly, and there will not be a lot of time for careful study of each species. Event location: Cliffs above Stinson Beach, Stinson Gulch, Bolinas Lagoon, Five Brooks, Golden Gate National Recreation Area Where to meet: Meeting location details included in registration confirmation email. What to bring: Binoculars; hiking boots; warm clothing; water, lunch Target bird species: birds of riparian forest and grasslands, shorebirds, seabirds Limited to 15 participants Friday, April 22, 2016 8:00 am -­‐ 2:00 pm Guide: Paul Bannick Join us for an exclusive field event featuring our keynote speaker Paul Bannick. We will explore the Point Reyes National Seashore and discuss the relationships of owls and woodpeckers. Event Location: Various locations within Point Reyes National Seashore Where to meet: Meeting location details included in registration confirmation email. What to bring: Good hiking shoes, water, lunch, sunscreen, a hat and binoculars. Limited to 15 participants SATURDAY, FULL-DAY EVENTS
Limantour Estero: Birds of Beach, Bay, and Beyond Saturday, April 23, 2016 8:00 am -­‐ 2:00 pm Guide: Dave Shuford Dave Shuford will share his extensive knowledge of the varied birdlife of the Estero’s tidal flats, salt marsh, and fringing dunes, beach, coastal scrub, and freshwater ponds. In addition, we’ll scope the nearshore zone for waterbirds foraging just beyond the breakers and any that may be passing well offshore. Finally, we’ll discuss habitat changes that have occurred over the years and changes in birdlife from these or other factors. Event location: Limantour Estero parking lot at 8:00 am, Point Reyes National Seashore Where to meet: Meeting location details included in registration confirmation email. What to bring: Binoculars; spotting scope (optional); warm clothing; footwear suitable for sand, wet grass, and mud; water; lunch Target bird or species information: migrant shorebirds; waterfowl (including Black Brant); loons; grebes; gulls; terns; and marsh-­‐ and scrub-­‐loving land birds and raptors. Limited to 15 participants Birding By Bike: Point Reyes Station to Arch Rock Saturday, April 23, 2016 8:00 am – 3:00 pm Guide: Josiah Clark There are few places in Marin with a richer avifauna than the terrain around Point Reyes Station. The Giacomini Wetlands, Olema Marsh, Limantour Road and Bear Valley are robust hot spots within a stone’s throw of town. Once these diverse upland and wetland areas have been covered we will take gentle trails to stay off the main roads and reach a unique and under-­‐celebrated keyhole to the coast. Before it got its current name the Bear Valley Trail must have been a vital passage for native people on their way to the coast, as it avoids the long up hills. So will it be for our group. We will flow like water following an alder lined babbling brook. Coasting our way through the enchanted, fern laden old growth Douglas Fir forests, we will lock up bikes and finish the last mile on a walking only trail. From Arch Rock we will search out and add the marine bird guilds to our list, in our quest to see as many species as possible using just the power of our own legs and the simple elegance of two wheels. Once back to our bikes, we will make the short ride back to Point Reyes Station. Biking is quiet, and we will take the opportunity to bird by ear and take in new vocalizations along the way. All along the way we will be on the lookout for other wildlife including butterflies, mammals and reptiles. There are great opportunities to acknowledge and recognize the gradual transition of native plant communities as can best be done by bicycle. Bicycles are available for rental at Point Reyes Station. Event location: Point Reyes Station, Giacomini Wetlands, Olema Marsh, Bear Valley Trail and Arch Rock, Point Reyes National Seashore Where to Meet: Meeting location details included in registration confirmation email. What to bring: Binoculars; lightweight scope, hiking boots; warm clothing; water, your own or rental bike, helmet, lunch Target bird species: Eurasian Wigeon, nesting and migratory songbird, migrant loons, grebes and other seabirds Limited to 15 participants SATURDAY, MORNING EVENTS
Bird Walking: Olema Marsh to Bear Valley Saturday, April 23, 2016 8:30 am to 1:00 pm Guide: Harry Fuller This classic Point Reyes walk begins at Olema Marsh, one of the largest freshwater marshes in Marin County. This is a great habitat for species such as Green Heron, Cinnamon Teal, Virginia and Sora rails. If we’re lucky a bittern will appear. It continues through a variety of open grassland, riparian and wooded habitats, including Lagunitas Creek, White House Pool, the Limantour Road, the Bear Valley Visitor Center and Kule Loklo (a replica Coast Miwok village). Expect to see or hear about fifty species on this wonderfully diverse route including Pacific-­‐slope Flycatcher, Black-­‐headed Grosbeak and several warblers. This is an easy three-­‐mile trail walk. Where to meet: Meeting location details included in registration confirmation email. What to Bring: Binoculars, a scope if available, hiking shoes, layered clothing, water and lunch. Target Birds: Green Heron, Cinnamon Teal, Red-­‐shouldered Hawk, Pacific Slope Flycatcher, Wrentit, Sora, Barn Owl, Allen's Hummingbird, Swainson's Thrush, Black-­‐headed Grosbeak, Wilson's and Orange-­‐crowned Warblers Limited to 15 participants Tracking Awareness at Limantour Beach Saturday, April 23, 2016 7:00 am to 12:00 pm Guide: Richard Vacha Slow down and step into the world of a Tracker. Join Certified Tracker and Point Reyes Tracking School founder Richard Vacha in an exploration of tracks and sign left by local birds, mammals and insects. We will practice simple awareness techniques and learn about track and sign as we study the landscape and build a picture of the living world we walk in. The group will focus as much as possible on bird tracks as well as bird communication and movement as an awareness tool. We will study the relationships between bird foot morphology and the environmental niche it is designed for. We will look at gait, stride, context, feeding sign, scat, and other clues to the species that have been present. Limantour is an ideal location for this introduction because of the variety of habitats packed so closely together. Check out the Tracking School’s website at www.PRTS.me Event location: Limantour Beach and Estero most likely; specific location to be determined by weather. Where to meet: Meeting location details included in registration confirmation email. What to bring: Binoculars; hiking boots; warm clothing; water Target bird or species information: Any bird, mammal, or insect that leaves tracks! Limited to 15 participants SATURDAY, MORNING EVENTS
Wildlife and Nature Photography Saturday, April 23, 2016 7:00 am -­‐12:00 pm Guide: Ron LeValley Take your bird photography to a new level at this comprehensive workshop with Ron LeValley, well-­‐traveled photographer and biologist. Nature photography has been revolutionized by the development and subsequent use of digital cameras. Ron will review basic photographic principles, emphasizing those that have been modified by the use of digital media. The workshop will offer tricks and tips for getting sharp bird photos and cover exposure, ISO, depth of field and stopping action. LeValley will also explore the whys of composition, and how to apply that knowledge to a moving bird and make your photos stand out. You will learn about your camera’s ability to track moving targets and how to set up your camera for various photo opportunities so you will be ready when the image presents itself. The session will pay particular attention to photographing birds in flight and provide techniques for coming home with keepers. Participants should have a digital SLR camera with a lens at least 200 mm in focal length. Event location: Dance Palace and other Point Reyes locations Where to meet: Meeting location details included in registration confirmation email. What to bring: Camera, note-­‐taking materials, water Limited to 15 participants Birding Five Brooks by Ear Saturday, April 23, 2016 8:00 am -­‐ 12:30 pm Guide: Daniel Edelstein Five Brooks Pond hosts beautiful riparian habitat, great for both migrants and local breeders. We'll be listening to Wilson's Warblers vigorously staking out their territories as we stealthily search for wary Wood Ducks. Purple Martins are occasionally in the area and there should be a nice diversity of songbirds. This walk will emphasize birding by ear -­‐-­‐ we'll take the time to appreciate and learn the songs and calls of many flycatchers, vireos, warblers and other species. You’ll receive handouts related to spring nesting and migration in Marin County, including one entitled “Top Ten Tips To Improving Your Birding By Ear” as we discuss the ecology of bird songs and their functions. All ages and experience levels are welcome. Time permitting, we may briefly explore other nearby habitats. All ages and experience levels are welcome. Event location: Five Brooks, Point Reyes National Seashore Where to meet: Meeting location details included in registration confirmation email. What to bring: Binoculars; spotting scope (optional); hiking boots; warm clothing; water Target bird or species information: many flycatchers, thrushes, vireos, warblers and other passerines. Limited to 15 participants SATURDAY, MORNING EVENTS
Bird Banding at Muddy Hollow Station Saturday, April 23, 2016 8:30 am – 10:30 am Guide: Point Blue Staff and Volunteers Get up close and personal with the many resident and migratory songbirds that are captured in mist nests at the PRBO’s Palomarin Field Station (aka Bird Banding Lab) in Bolinas. As they do every day in the spring, PRBO interns and staff will be banding birds, measuring and weighing them, explaining the process to visitors, and answering questions. Learn how bird banding is done and how data obtained contributes to conservation. Event location: Muddy Hollow Where to meet: Meeting location details included in registration confirmation email. What to bring: Binoculars; hiking boots; warm clothing; water Target bird or species information: landbirds, migrants Limited to 15 participants Beginning Birding Field Class Saturday, April 23, 2016 8:30 am – 12:00 pm Guide: Rich Cimino You may have already delved into the wonderful world of birding. Maybe you’ve been watching birds for a while in a friendly small group. Or maybe you have a backyard feeder and the birds using it have raised your curiosity. In either case, this class will help you further enjoy your birding experience. Starting with an introduction to birds and a tutorial on using your field guide, this outing will also cover bird behavior. While walking the Woodpecker Trail, a one-­‐mile loop near the Bear Valley Visitor Center of Point Reyes National Seashore, we’ll learn species identification and how to find and explain bird locations to other birders. This trail traverses varied habitats of open meadow and Douglas fir forest displaying several species of woodpecker, bluebirds, sparrows and other birds. We’ll also explore a riparian creek where we should see Wilson’s warbler, Pacific-­‐slope and other flycatchers. Mild grades and detailed interpretive signs make this an ideal choice for families and newcomers to the Park. Visitors will enjoy useful insights into this widespread forest community and a good chance to see deer, coyote, raptors, woodpeckers, jays, and warblers. We’ll take our time as we discuss our observations and learn to be better birders. Event location: Woodpecker Trail, Earthquake Trail, Point Reyes National Seashore Where to meet: Meeting location details included in registration confirmation email. What to bring: Binoculars; spotting scope if owned, hiking boots; warm clothing; water Target species: variety of land and water birds visible from a close range. Limited to 15 participants SATURDAY, MORNING EVENTS
Birding the Wild West Marin ‘Burbs Saturday, April 23, 2016 9:00 am to 12:00 pm Guides: Bob Battagin and Adam Donkin The suburbs may call to mind minivans and strip malls, but in West Marin they are a wild, beautiful blend of unique human habitations and open space. Join us to discover the rich diversity of bird species that inhabit the many semi wild spaces close enough for a morning foray. Starting with the San Geronimo School grounds, we’ll scan the meadows for Western Bluebirds, goldfinches and Acorn Woodpeckers. Then we will check the local golf course for a Green Heron or any lingering Hooded Mergansers. Forest habitats here display an abundance of breeding flycatchers; Pacific-­‐slope, Olive-­‐sided, Ash-­‐throated and Western Wood Pewee. Our stops at Nicasio Reservoir may reveal a Red-­‐
tailed Hawk nest, soaring Golden Eagles or less common species such as Lazuli Bunting, Lark and Grasshopper Sparrow. Event location: San Geronimo Valley, Nicasio Reservoir Where to meet: Meeting location details included in registration confirmation email. What to bring: Binoculars; hiking boots; layered clothing; water, lunch Limited to 15 participants Birds and Wildflowers of Chimney Rock Saturday, April 23, 2016 9:00 am – 12:30 pm Guide: Burr Heneman Spring is a great time to be at Chimney Rock. The wildflower display is terrific, and we can count on seeing an interesting mix of terrestrial and marine bird species. Marine science specialist and native plant buff Burr Heneman will guide a trip emphasizing both birds and wildflowers. We often spot California Gray Whales headed north with their calves. Event location: Chimney Rock, Point Reyes National Seashore Where to meet: Meeting location details included in registration confirmation email. What to bring: Layered clothing (for strong wind), binoculars, lunch, hand lens, water, spotting scope Target species: Birds: loons, grebes, Common Murre, Pigeon Guillemot, Brandt’s and Pelagic Cormorant, Black Oystercatcher, Peregrine Falcon, Great Horned Owl, Rock Wren, Northern Harrier, Savannah Sparrow. Flowers: Franciscan Paintbrush, Hairy Star-­‐tulip, Point Reyes Chocolate Lily, Coastal Larkspur, Coast Wallflower, Seaside Daisy, various owl’s clovers, goldfields, and angelica. Mammals: Gray Whale, Elephant and Harbor Seal Limited to 15 participants. SATURDAY, MORNING EVENTS
Birds of Shollenberger Saturday, April 23, 2016 9:00 am – 1:00 pm Guide: Peter Colasanti In just the past few years, this wetland has become a favorite of many birders. And with good reason: as the last tidal marsh north of San Francisco Bay, it is a critically important habitat for large numbers of migrant shorebirds and waterfowl. Nesting avocets and stilts share the area with godwits, peeps and plovers, often including Pacific Golden Plover. This can be an especially good spot for marsh species such as Virginia rail and American Bittern. Dabbling ducks here include wigeon, pintail, gadwall and often Blue-­‐winged Teal. Event location: Shollenberger Marsh, Petaluma Where to meet: Meeting location details included in registration confirmation email. What to bring: Binoculars; spotting scope (optional); warm clothing Target bird or species information: shorebirds, waterfowl, rails, waders Limited to 15 participants Birds and Dunes of Abbotts Lagoon for Families Saturday, April 23, 2016 9:00 am -­‐ 1:00 pm Guides: Sharon Barnett and Kevin Stockmann Cost: Free with Youth/Student Scholarship (visit our student scholarship page for details) Join Sharon Heron and Kevin Kestrel for an interactive and fun day of observing and game-­‐playing that teach us about the fascinating life of birds! Binoculars in hand, we will look for California quail, sparrows, hawks, herons, snowy plovers and other bird species that inhabit the chaparral, fresh water pond, brackish water lagoon, dunes, sandy beach and open ocean. Searching for birds, butterflies, tracks, scat, and if we are lucky, river otters will make this a great outing for families! Easy walking. Registration Details: Complete a scholarship form on our website. Event location: Abbotts Lagoon Trailhead, Pierce Point Road, and Inverness, Point Reyes National Seashore Where to meet: Meeting location details included in registration confirmation email. What to bring: Binoculars; hiking boots; warm clothing; water, and a bag lunch-­‐ we will eat near the water. Target bird or species information: Chaparral and grassland species; raptors; shorebirds; seabirds; loons and grebes; Peregrine Falcon; Northern Harrier; California Quail; White-­‐crowned and Savannah Sparrows; Snowy Plover; Marsh Wren; Western Meadowlark. Limited to 15 participants (kids and parents) SATURDAY, MORNING EVENTS
Let’s Bird Kids! Saturday, April 23, 2016 9:00 a.m. -­‐ 12:00 pm Guide: Juan Carlos Solis, Quetzal Adventures Cost: Free with Youth/Student Scholarship (visit our student scholarship page for details) Enjoy a morning stroll along Rodeo Lagoon con la familia and look for landbirds and waterbirds who call the lagoon home or migrants who are just passing through at his time of the year. We’ll look beyond the birds and search along the shore to find out what morning morsels are these birds looking for. Possible bird sightings are Snowy and Great Egrets, Marsh Wrens, Willets and predators such as Peregrine Falcon and Red-­‐tailed Hawk. The program will be lead in English, Spanish and some Spanglish. Registration: Complete scholarship form on our website. Event location: Rodeo Lagoon, Marin Headlands Where to meet: Marin Headlands Visitor Center What to bring: Binoculars, water, snack, and dress in layers Limited to 15 participants SATURDAY, AFTERNOON EVENTS
Dragonflies of Five Brooks Saturday, April 23, 2016 12:30 pm – 4:30 pm Guide: Sandra Hunt-­‐von Arb Join dragonfly biologist Sandra Hunt-­‐von Arb in exploring Five Brooks Pond in Point Reyes National Seashore for a spring sampling of colorful and fascinating dragonflies and damselflies. If the day is warm, the group will see such wonderful creatures as the blue-­‐eyed darner, Pacific Forktail, Western Pondhawk and the Cardinal Meadowhawk! Learn the difference between dragonflies and damselflies, where to go see them, and how to identify individual species. Find out why dragonflies are the Next Big Thing!! Easy walking. This program will begin with an indoor presentation on the area’s dragonflies. Event location: Point Reyes Station and Five Brooks, Golden Gate National Recreation Area Where to meet: Directions to the indoor venue and instructions on carpooling and/or driving to Five Brooks will be emailed to registered participants the week of the festival. What to bring: Binoculars; hiking boots; warm clothing; water Limited to 20 participants Editing Digital Photography: Managing and Preparing Your Hundreds of Photos Saturday, April 23, 2016 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm Guide: Ron LeValley What do you do after your image card is full? How do you back up all your important photos? How do you find that one important photos among the thousands on your computer? How do you prepare your photos for fine printing? ...for slide shows?.... for the web? …..for e-­‐mail? The answer is Lightroom! Ron has been using Lightroom since version 1.0 and has decided that it is really the answer to all of these questions. The emphasis Saturday afternoon will start with developing a workflow to file and keep track of your photos. Then we will concentrate on the options for adjusting exposure, color, sharpness, clarity, contrast, and so forth. We’ll explore the Tone Curve and Saturation/Hue/Luminance. Special attention will be given to the Brush Tool, Spot Removing Tool, and Gradient Tool. Our goal will be to make you comfortable with what you can do in Lightroom. We’ll also review how Lightroom works with Photoshop and Plugins. It is best if you have a copy of the most recent version Lightroom and a laptop so that we can follow along together, but if you don’t have either, we will be discussing options that can be done with other programs. Event Location: Point Reyes Station Where to Meet: Directions to the indoor venue and instructions on carpooling and/or driving will be emailed to registered participants the week of the festival. What to Bring: Laptop, notebook Limited to 15 participants SATURDAY, AFTERNOON EVENTS
Natural History of the Great Gray Owl Saturday, April 23, 2016 1:30 pm – 4:30 pm Guide: Harry Fuller The Great Gray Owl is one of the most elusive and fascinating birds in North America. While it is the tallest owl in North America, it is also one of the least seen and has intrigued bird enthusiasts for years. Author Harry Fuller was so inspired by the Great Gray, that he took it upon himself to learn, observe and study the species as much as he could. The result is his wonderful book, the Great Gray Owl in California, Oregon and Washington. Harry will share much information on the Great Gray’s habitat, behavioral patterns and conservation efforts, as well as his personal anecdotes about sightings and interactions. Event Location: Point Reyes Station Where to Meet: Event location included in registration confirmation email. Limited to 15 participants Tule Elk Walk Saturday, April 23, 2016 1:30 pm – 4:30 pm Guide: Frank Binney Once thought to be extinct, Tule elk are making a remarkable comeback at Point Reyes National Seashore. Enjoy an easy hike shadowing these majestic survivors with a nature writer who has assisted park biologists on Tule elk studies and the annual elk census for over 18 years. As we hike along a scenic granitic ridge between Pacific Ocean cliffs and the wilderness shoreline of Tomales Bay, we’ll explore the role Tule elk played in California ecology for thousands of years, the reasons they nearly vanished forever, and what we can do to help them continue to thrive. Where to meet: Meeting location details included in registration confirmation email. Participants are invited to arrive at 1:00 pm to share lunch with Frank before the actual meeting time. Event location: Tomales Point, Point Reyes National Seashore What to bring: Binoculars; hiking boots; warm clothing; water Target bird or species information: Tule elk, raptors, Limited to 15 participants SATURDAY, AFTERNOON EVENTS
eBird Saturday, April 23, 2016 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm Guide: Dan Singer Dan will discuss eBird and how it can help make you a better birder. Dan is an eBird Editor for California with a focus on Marin and Sonoma counties. Questions you may have about best practices, the data review process, or anything else eBird related will be encouraged. Event location: Point Reyes Station Where to meet: Meeting location details included in registration confirmation email. Feel free to bring your smart phone, laptop or tablet. Limited to 12 participants SATURDAY, EVENING EVENTS
Happy Hour and Silent Auction Saturday, April 23, 2016 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm Free admission for festival participants with badge. Event location: Dance Palace Church Space, 503 B Street, Point Reyes Station Unwind from your birding adventures at our Happy Hour and Silent Auction. Enjoy beer and wine, sample cheeses, bid on our Silent Auction items and meet keynote speaker Paul Bannick, who will be signing copies of his book, The Owl and the Woodpecker. Details on the Auction page. Banquet and Keynote Program Saturday, April 23, 2016 6:00 pm -­‐ 9:30 pm Speaker: Paul Bannick Following a catered buffet dinner by Delicious Dish, join us for our Banquet dinner and enjoy a lively keynote presentation by Paul Bannick. Paul will guide the audience on a visual and auditory exploration of the habitats of Western North American owls and woodpeckers that most define and enrich these places. This new photographic field report celebrates the ways the lives of these iconic birds are intertwined, their role as keystone, and indicator species for their environment. The audience will experience striking new images, videos, and stories that provide fresh illumination to the themes of Paul's book, The Owl and Woodpecker. Paul’s new book, OWL: A Year in the Life of The North American Owl, is scheduled for release in the fall of 2017. For more information on his latest collaboration on woodpeckers, see "Woodpeckers of North America." Event location: Friedman Hall, Dance Palace, 503 B Street, Point Reyes Station Limited to 80 participants Point Reyes Birding and Nature Festival Sunday, April 24 2016 Event Descriptions SUNDAY, FULL-DAY EVENTS
Walking Big Day Sunday, April 24, 2016 7:00 am – 4:30 pm Guide: David Wimpfheimer Join naturalist and expert birder David Wimpfheimer for a Big Day on foot. The group will pass through oak/fir forest, grassland, riparian, saltmarsh and beach habitats while walking from the Giacomini wetlands and nearby Olema Marsh through varied habitats to the ocean at Limantour Beach. The hike will be around 11 miles and we should see 90-­‐100 species of birds. The walk goes up and over Inverness Ridge, a gain of 1000 feet. This is not a trip for beginners: the goal is to see and hear as many birds as possible during a challenging, but wonderfully rich day. Although the pace will be fast, a main focus will be on bird identification by sight and sound. Where to meet: Meeting location details included in registration confirmation email. Event location: Limantour Beach, Giacomini wetlands, Olema Marsh and other parts of Point Reyes National Seashore. What to bring: Binoculars, hiking shoes, warm clothing, water, lunch and snacks Target birds: Large variety of raptors, shorebirds, waterfowl and passerines. Limited to 15 participants Land Birds of the Outer Point Sunday, April 24, 2016 7:00 am – 2:00 pm Guide: Dan Singer Have you ever wondered what is meant by the Outer Point? Does it include Drake's Beach or the old RCA Station? Why do so few species breed there while dozens and dozens have been recorded including many rarities? Join Dan Singer to explore Point Reyes National Seashore’s Outer Point to learn the status and distribution of land birds (and possibly a bit of sea and shore birds too). We'll be looking for migrant flycatchers, warblers and other passerines as well as focusing on those species that breed there. Where to meet: Meeting location details included in registration confirmation email. Event location: Drake’s Beach, Lighthouse, A and B Ranches, Point Reyes National Seashore. What to bring: Binoculars; spotting scope (optional); warm clothing; lunch and liquids Target birds: migrant landbirds, shorebirds, seabirds Limited to 15 participants SUNDAY, FULL-DAY EVENTS
Birding King Ridge Road and the Russian River Sunday, April 24, 2016 8:00 am – 1:00 pm Guide: Ken Wilson This group will bird the Russian River area at Duncan's Mills, then along Austin Creek near Cazadero and finally King's Ridge Road. Amazing habitat diversity here ranges from the broad riparian zone through several forest types at the southern end of the Coast Range. Numerous uncommon species may be found here, including Sooty Grouse, Mountain Quail, Bald Eagle, Golden Eagle, Peregrine Falcon, Pileated Woodpecker, Northern Pygmy-­‐owl and White-­‐
throated Swift, not to mention Lazuli Bunting, Black-­‐throated Gray Warbler and Lark Sparrow. Event location: Duncan’s Mills, Cazadero, King’s Ridge Road, Sonoma County Where to meet: Meeting location details included in registration confirmation email. Allow 1.25-­‐1.5 hours to drive to the meeting place from Point Reyes Station. What to bring: binoculars, snack, water, lunch, sun protection Target species: Landbirds of all kinds, including unusual species listed above Limited to 15 participants Birding the Ranchlands of Chileno Valley Sunday, April 24, 2016 7:30 am – 2:00 pm Guide: Bob Power Thousands of acres of wild, undeveloped ranchlands contain critical grassland, chaparral and riparian habitat in West Marin. Western kingbird, lazuli bunting, rufous-­‐crowned and grasshopper sparrows are breeding species here that are seldom found in coastal zones. This three-­‐mile walk will focus on the natural history of species in these habitats. This unique property is usually not accessible to the general public. Moderate walking. There are no restrooms available at this location. Where to meet: Meeting location details included in registration confirmation email. Event location: Chileno Valley Ranch. (Don’t try to drive to this remote location: use the carpool) What to bring: Binoculars; spotting scope (optional); hiking boots; warm clothing; water; lunch Target bird or species information: Western kingbird; horned lark; lazuli bunting; grasshopper sparrow; rufous-­‐crowned sparrow Limited to 15 participants SUNDAY, FULL-DAY EVENTS
Birding Stinson Beach and Bolinas Lagoon Sunday, April 24, 2016 8:30 am – 2:00 pm Guide: Keith Hansen Join well-­‐known bird expert and artist Keith Hansen for a tour of the Stinson Beach and Bolinas Lagoon area. This tour will cover forested and coastline habitats as well as the very productive mudflats in Bolinas Lagoon. Easy walking. Event location: Stinson Beach and Bolinas Lagoon Where to meet: Meeting location details included in registration confirmation email. What to bring: Binoculars; hiking boots; warm clothing; water; lunch Target species: shore birds, ducks and other waterbirds, dozens of forest and grassland birds. Limited to 15 participants Avian Ecology of the Tomales Bay Preserves Sunday, April 24, 2016 8:00 am– 3:00 pm Guide: Joe Mueller Few people realize that there are over twenty Audubon Canyon Ranch (ACR) preserves that are scattered along the east and south shores of Tomales Bay. ACR properties along the Tomales Bay shoreline protect valuable habitat areas. The terrain includes sandy beaches, mudflats, tidal wetlands and coastal uplands—most notably at Cypress Grove, Tom’s Point, Walker Creek Delta and Olema Marsh. The Tomales Bay estuarine ecosystem offers exceptional opportunities for observing bird behavior. The diversity of shorebirds, ducks, loons, grebes, raptors and other species will provide excellent opportunities to explore the subject of avian ecology. We plan to investigate as many of these birding hot spots as time allows and to discuss ACR’s protection of these preserves and the general ecology of Tomales Bay. Event location: Audubon Canyon Ranch Preserves on east side of Tomales Bay, Olema Marsh Where to meet: Meeting location details included in registration confirmation email. What to bring: Binoculars; hiking boots; warm clothing; lunch, water Target bird or species information: shorebirds, waterfowl, loons, grebes, raptors Limited to 15 participants SUNDAY, MORNING EVENTS
Tidepooling at Duxbury Reef – Life on the Edge Sunday, April 24, 2016 8:00 am -­‐ 11:00 am Guide: Andrea Freeman Come enjoy a low-­‐tide exploration of one of the largest shale reefs in North America. We’ll discuss the unique geology of the area and the marine influences that make it such a rich site. Peering into tidepools, we'll marvel at extraordinary critters, admiring the adaptations that enable them to survive. The Sunflower Sea Star, which can grow 24 arms and 15,000 tube feet, is but one of the remarkable animals found in the tidepools that we might see on our outing. Other equally amazing invertebrates we’ll see include purple sea urchins, giant green anemones, ochre sea stars, an array of crabs and curious worms, in addition to mussels, whelks, barnacles, limpets, chitons and bryozoans. If we’re lucky, we may also find some nudibranchs -­‐ sea slugs of such incredible beauty they’re referred to as the ‘butterflies of the sea’. In addition to the tidepool critters, we’re very likely to see Harbor Seals that often use the reef as a haul out. We may see Gray Whales hugging the coast with their calves as they migrate northward. Birds that frequent the reef include herons, egrets, cormorants, Black Oystercatchers, Brown Pelicans and Western Gulls, but we’ll keep our eyes open for any other birds that might be here to enjoy the low tide buffet. The reef is covered with slippery algae and we’ll be walking about a mile so be prepared! Event location: Duxbury Reef, Agate State Beach, Bolinas Where to meet: Meeting location details included in registration confirmation email. What to bring: Binoculars and a hand lens if you have one, reef-­‐walking shoes or wading boots or shoes with some grip that you don’t mind getting wet, warm, layered clothing water; lunch Limited to 15 participants Raptors Sunday, April 24, 2016 8:00 am – 1:00 pm Guide: Joe DiDonato Raptors often puzzle birders because of their similar plumage, and the difficulty of identifying them when they are flying far away or even overhead. Join raptor biologist Joe DiDonato for a field trip to learn more about raptors, their habits, how to identify them, and their interesting courtship displays. The trip will seek Red-­‐tailed and Red-­‐shouldered Hawk, Osprey, White tailed Kite, Northern Harrier, American kestrel and other raptors. The trip will visit a variety of habitats in the Point Reyes National Seashore. Event location: Bear Valley, other sites in the Point Reyes National Seashore Where to meet: Meeting location details included in registration confirmation email. What to bring: Binoculars, hiking shoes, warm clothing, water, lunch, sunscreen, field guides Target bird or species information: Raptors, including species listed above. Limited to 15 participants SUNDAY, MORNING EVENTS
Breeding Birds of Tomales Bay State Park Sunday, April 24, 2016 7:30 am – 12:30 pm Guide: Rob Furrow Late April is an exceptional time of the year to visit Tomales Bay State Park’s amazing diversity of habitats. Participants will discover a dozen or more songbirds by sight and song. The adjoining majestic bay and its dramatic shorelines will also yield an abundance of shorebird and waterfowl sightings. Migrant species are also likely discoveries. Good bets include seeing close views of nesting Wilson’s and Orange-­‐crowned Warbler, Bewick’s Wren and Anna’s Hummingbird, while loons and grebes in gorgeous breeding plumage may potentially be spotted on Tomales Bay. Easy trail walking. Event location: Shell Beach, Heart’s Desire Beach, bayside trails and other sites on the west shore of Tomales Bay in Tomales Bay State Park Where to meet: Meeting location details included in registration confirmation email. What to bring: Binoculars; hiking boots; warm clothing; water Target bird or species information: forest, shore, and Tomales Bay birds, including three species of loon, five grebes, and dozens of songbird species Limited to 15 participants Point Reyes Kids Birding & Nature Festival Kids Birdathon with Sonoma Birding Sunday, April 24, 2016 9:00 am – 12:00 pm Guides: Sonoma Birding Cost: Free with Youth/Student Scholarship (visit our student scholarship page for details) Join us for our 6th annual kids birding! The Point Reyes Kids Birding and Nature Festival is designed for young birders and naturalists. This special event is free for interested youth through a scholarship fund. Sonoma Birding adventure: Experienced birders will lead small teams of approximately six kids each (with parents along to observe, assist and help transport birding teams). Groups will scour several unique habitats within the beautiful Point Reyes National Seashore, with a goal of having the kids spot 20 species per hour…a total of 60 bird species in three hours! A 90-­‐minute hike will be followed by a compilation celebration at the Dance Palace Church Space in Point Reyes Station. Event Location: Point Reyes National Seashore Where to meet: Meeting location details included in registration confirmation email. What to bring: Picnic lunch, water, binoculars; spotting scope (optional); hiking boots, warm clothing; snack; western field guide (optional) Target birds: Common birds of forest, field, streams and wetlands Limited to 20 children SUNDAY, MORNING EVENTS
Point Reyes Kids Birding & Nature Festival Kid Owls and Woodpeckers Sunday, April 24, 2016 9:00 am – 12:00 pm Guides: Paul Bannick Cost: Free with Youth/Student Scholarship (visit our student scholarship page for details) Join us for our 6th annual kids birding! The Point Reyes Kids Birding and Nature Festival is designed for young birders and naturalists. This special event is free for interested youth through a scholarship fund. Discover the interesting lives and relationships of owls and woodpeckers with Paul Bannick. This event is perfect for kids aged 8 -­‐ 17 years. Event Location: Point Reyes National Seashore Where to meet: Meeting location details included in registration confirmation email. What to bring: Picnic lunch, water, binoculars; spotting scope (optional); hiking boots, warm clothing; snack; western field guide (optional) Limited to 15 children Seabirds of the Farallon Islands and Point Reyes Sunday, April 24, 2016 9:00 am – 12:00 pm Guide: Jose Garcia Join Farallon National Wildlife Refuge ranger Jose Garcia on a presentation and walk at the Point Reyes headlands to learn about and observe seabirds. The presentation will consist of an overview of conservation efforts conducted by both U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Point Blue Conservation Science. There will be life scale models of murres and auklets and their nesting boxes. After a talk the group will hike to the Point Reyes Lighthouse, perched on a dramatic rocky cliff, and watch seabirds foraging. Discover how the Farallon Islands are important to many birds for nesting, feeding, and as a migratory resting point. Seabirds that fly to the shores of the Farallon Islands include Common Murre, Pigeon Guillemot, Cassin’s Auklet, Rhinoceros Auklet, Tufted Puffin and Ashy Storm Petrel. Some of these breed at Point Reyes and may be observed. Enjoy the beauty and learn about the habitat and history of these magnificent seabirds and the Farallon Islands. Event location: Lighthouse and environs, Point Reyes National Seashore Where to meet: Meeting location details included in registration confirmation email. What to Bring: Wear sturdy shoes with tread, warm layered clothing, water. Binoculars, scope, camera and telephoto lens Target bird or species information: seabirds, raptors. Limited to 15 participants SUNDAY, MORNING EVENTS
Herons and Egrets of Santa Rosa Sunday, April 24, 2016 9:00 – 12:00 pm Guide: Emiko Condeso Enjoy visiting one of the largest, wonderfully dramatic, and most unexpected heron and egret nesting sites in the North Bay. We will spend time observing the nesting behaviors of four species of Ardeids: Great Egret, Snowy Egret, Cattle Egret, and Black-­‐crowned Night Heron. This nesting site is located along Santa Rosa Creek and is next door to Lincoln Elementary School. We will likely have excellent views of courtship behavior and small downy chicks-­‐-­‐a great opportunity for nature photographers. In previous years we have seen over 300 nests! Event location: Santa Rosa, Sonoma County Where to meet: Meeting location details included in registration confirmation email. What to bring: Binoculars; scopes; sun hats; layered clothing; water Target birds: Cattle Egret, Snowy Egret, Great Egret, Black-­‐crowned Night Heron, other herons, raptors Limited to 15 participants Wildflowers of Chimney Rock Sunday, April 24, 2016 9:30 am – 1:00 pm Guide: Susan Cochrane Levitsky Join Susan Cochrane Levitsky on a tour of the wildflower gardens of Chimney Rock. This spectacular area has an enormous number of wildflowers. Here at the western edge of the continent you’ll see one species after another on this gorgeous, easy walk of under 3 miles. Don’t forget to look out to sea or up in the sky once in awhile, to catch a glimpse of a whale or peregrine falcon going by! Event location: Chimney Rock, Point Reyes National Seashore Where to meet: Where to meet: Meeting location details included in registration confirmation email. What to bring: Binoculars; hiking boots; warm clothing/wind protection, water Target species: Tidytips, California Poppy, various lupines, dozens more! Limited to 15 participants SUNDAY, MORNING EVENTS
Butterflies and More at Muddy Hollow Sunday, April 24, 2016 10:00 am to 2:00 pm Guide: Wendy Dreskin Join naturalist and butterfly expert Wendy Dreskin for this easy walk along the Muddy Hollow trail. As the group ambles along this riparian corridor, the discussion will include butterfly identification tips, plant-­‐insect associations and life histories of any butterflies encountered. Target species include Echo Blue, Margined and Veined White, two species of anglewings, Lorquin's Admiral, Pale Swallowtail, Mourning Cloak, Two-­‐banded Skipper, Mylitta and Field Crescentspot. Although there is much that we know about these winged jewels, great mystique remains. Event location: Muddy Hollow, Point Reyes National Seashore Where to meet: Meeting location details included in registration confirmation email. What to bring: Binoculars; hiking boots; warm clothing; water; rain/wind gear, liquids, lunch Target insects and species information: Butterflies listed above, associated nectar and larval plants Limited to 15 participants Geology and Birds of Point Reyes Sunday, April 24, 2016 9:00 to 1:00 pm Guides: Doris Sloan and Claire Peaslee At the Lighthouse and Drakes Beach -­‐-­‐two iconic Point Reyes settings–
renowned Bay Area geologist Doris Sloan will explain the dynamic geology of Point Reyes' while naturalist Claire Peaslee adds a focus on birds and their lives. Ancient granitic rocks and conglomerates at the Lighthouse tell of the peninsula's travels from southern California and the forces at work here over tens of millions of years. Calls of Common Murres in their breeding colonies, and the chance to spot a fierce falcon or a tiny migrating warbler, add excitement at the headlands. At Drakes Beach, the high cliff with many layers of young sedimentary rocks offers insight into more recent West Coast geology, including the action of the nearby San Andreas Fault. Shorebirds and waterbirds of many kinds can appear in the varied habitats here. A lunch conversation at the Drakes Beach picnic tables will complete our excursion. Event location: Lighthouse and Drakes Beach, Point Reyes National Seashore Where to meet: Meeting location details included in registration confirmation email. What to bring: Binoculars, hiking shoes, warm clothing, water, lunch, sunscreen Target bird or species information: Common Murre, Peregrine Falcon, Rock Wren, loons and other seabirds, migrating landbirds Limited to 15 participants SUNDAY, AFTERNOON EVENTS
Birding Meets Mobile Technology Sunday, April 24, 2016 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm Guides: Melissa Hero Are you tired of carrying around a backpack full of multiple field guides, a camera, CDs, playback equipment, checklists, and more when you are birding? In this session, you will be introduced to the most popular mobile apps (field guides, electronic bird songs, and listing apps such as Sibley, iBird, Bird Jam, Birdwatcher's Diary, Bird Log, etc.) that can be carried around in your back pocket. There will also be time for Q&A and a short field session to practice using the apps. Event location: Point Reyes Station, CA Where to meet: Event location will be included in email confirmation. What to bring: smart phone or tablet (optional) Limited to 15 participants