Description:
Join knowledgeable biologist, expert naturalist, and sought after guide David Wimpfheimer at the Las Gallinas Wildlife Ponds in San Rafael to view wintering birds.
During winter months, waterfowl, shorebirds, and raptors can be found at Las Gallinas and late afternoon is a perfect time to view them! The ponds are surrounded by a path which is flat and easy to navigate. David's deep understanding of birds will surely make for an educational outing full of discovery.
Friday, February 9, 4:00-5:30 pm
Note: No starlings have been sighted to date this year.
Meet your hike leaders:
David Wimpfheimer has been a naturalist and biologist for over forty years. After earning a degree in biology, he studied seabirds and shorebirds in Alaska and raptor migration in Egypt. He’s researched birds and critical habitats of Point Reyes, his home, and other parts of California. David enthusiastically shares his extensive knowledge of the natural world from Alaska to Baja and Point Reyes to the Sierra with groups including Smithsonian Institution, Road Scholar and Oceanic Society.
Victoria Schlesinger’s journalism career began at California Wild magazine and the Point Reyes Light newspaper, and she has since earned two master’s degrees from the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. Victoria joined Bay Nature as editor in chief in spring 2015. Her favorite story is almost always the one she’s editing. She lives in Berkeley with her husband and daughter.
Hike location: Las Gallinas Valley Sanitary District, San Rafael
Hike length: 1-2 miles
Hike difficulty: Easy
Directions: The ponds are at the far east end of Smith Ranch Road, east of Highway 101. After crossing the railroad tracks, turn left. Do NOT continue into MacGinnis Park. Continue on the road, do NOT go right into the main sewage treatment facility. Continue on to the end at the parking lot. If the parking lot is full, cars may be parked along this entrance road.
Parking: Free parking lot near birding loop trailhead or nearby street parking. Please consider carpooling.
Elevation change/Uneven terrain: Flat path; may be muddy
Access to restrooms and water: There is a water fountain a short distance from the trail head but no known restroom.
Other notes: Plan to bring binoculars and dress appropriately for the weather. The hike will run in light rain but heavy rain cancels. All minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian for the entirety of the event.
COVID-19 guidelines: Please stay home if you are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19.
If you have any questions, please contact barbara@baynature.org.
Photo courtesy of Airwolfhound CC BY-SA 2.0 DEED via Flickr
