Point Reyes

A birding field trip with the Mt. Diablo Bird Alliance

Point Reyes

Saturday, May 30, 8:30 AM to 3 PM

Point Reyes is one of the premiere birding locations in Northern California, a great spot to find rarities during migration---like the Prairie Warbler pictured above (image by Beth Branthaver). MDBA tries to visit at least twice a year. On our spring trip, we hope to see northbound migrants as well as resident birds in their best plumage. The exact itinerary will depend on weather, but after checking Drake's Beach and the lagoon behind it we'll probably visit the lighthouse area, and the "fish docks." After lunch we may walk down the Avenue of Cypresses to the old RCA building.

Bring water and lunch, as this area is remote. Weather is highly changeable. Bring warmer clothing than you think you'll need, making sure to include a windproof layer---and sun protection too!

Rating: Category 2 -- some walking through grass under trees, and on paved roads with some moderate grade.

Elevation change: 100 ft

Leader: Matt Tarlach, mdbafieldtrips@gmail.com

Meet: Kenneth C. Patrick Visitor Center, Drake's Beach

GPS: 38.027828257127936, -122.96201741318059

Directions: Depending on your starting point, take the best route to San Rafael and go North on US 101. From 101, take Lucas Valley Road to Nicasio. At the reservoir turn left. Follow signs to Point Reyes Station, and when you get to town turn left onto US-1. After passing through town (the Bovine Bakery is a tasty stop for breakfast pastries), turn right from US-1 onto Sir Francis Drake Blvd and follow it for 15 miles to Drakes Beach Road.

Due to limited parking at several stops on the Outer Point, this field trip is limited to 12 participants. Sharing a car is helpful! An optional carpool meeting point will be announced to participants, and there's room to leave extra cars at the Drakes Beach meeting point.

Participants must acknowledge the MDBA Liability Waiver (available during registration).