Winter Birds of Point Reyes

By December, overwintering birds have settled into the productive and diverse habitats of Point Reyes. Abbotts Lagoon, Drakes Estero, and Tomales Bay are important habitats for thousands of ducks, loons, grebes and other waterbirds. Additionally a good variety of shorebirds can be found on the mud flats, marshes and beaches.

Thousands of ducks, loons, grebes and other water birds feed in the area. Additionally a good variety of shorebirds can be found on the mud flats, marshes and beaches. These habitats and the adjacent grasslands provide good habitats for hawks, harriers, falcons and other raptors. Ferruginous Hawks spend the winter here.

The fall and winter are the seasons of greatest abundance for raptors at Point Reyes.

This class will feature a three-mile hike showcasing the diverse habitats of the Abbotts Lagoon area where over a hundred species of water and land birds have migrated to take advantage of productive habitats. We may also include a shorter walk in the fir and bay forest of the Inverness Ridge to enjoy woodpeckers, warblers and other birds of that habitat.

We will focus on bird identification and behavior during hikes in different habitats.

David Wimpfheimer is a professional naturalist and biologist. For over forty years David has pursed his passion, natural history of the American West. He enthusiastically shares his extensive knowledge about all aspects of the natural world with many groups including Smithsonian Institution, California Academy of Sciences, Road Scholar and Oceanic Society.

Ticket Pricing

A range of pricing options is available to meet your needs. We welcome your participation and appreciate your support at any level.

Details:

-We will be meeting at the Abbotts Lagoon Parking Lot

- 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 less than 48 hours in advance will be declined.

- 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 are highly recommended for this class

Day Pack

Lunch Bag

Warm Variable Weather Clothing

Hiking Shoes

Water Bottle

Notebook and Pen/Field Journal

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? Send us an Email!

For any questions, please email us at fieldinstitute@ptreyes.org.

Health Guidelines

Masks are welcome at your discretion as we all work together to remain healthy and safe.