Winter Birds of Tomales Bay

Tomales Bay is an important wintering habitat for thousands of loons, grebes, ducks and other waterbirds. The tidal flats, marshes, rocky shores, and beaches provide diverse feeding areas for raptors, shorebirds and waders. We will focus on bird identification and behavior during short and easy walks.

Our trip begins in the town of Tomales. From there we will car-caravan to several sites along the east shore of the Bay, including Lawson’s Landing, and Cypress Grove Preserve. The latter is a research center of Audubon Canyon Ranch (www.egret.org) that protects nearly 500 acres of important and diverse lands on Tomales Bay. The class will end with an overlook of the Giacomini wetlands, one of the largest wetland restoration projects on the California coast.

David Wimpfheimer is a professional naturalist, guide and biologist who is very passionate about our natural world. He has particular interests in birds and the natural history of the American West. Since earning a degree in Biology from Beloit College, David has studied seabirds and shorebirds in Alaska, raptors in Egypt and a variety of birds in Point Reyes and other regions of California. Since the mid-1980s, David has shared his extensive knowledge about all aspects of the natural world with hundreds of groups. His educational programs have focused on Point Reyes, Alaska, Arizona, Baja California, Yosemite, Death Valley and other parts of California. Although the majority of David’s field trips are geared toward teaching and interpreting birds and bird habitats, he is just as experienced and enthusiastic sharing the full diversity of the natural world. From whale watching expeditions to wildflower hikes, David's seasoned focus and knowledge make every outdoor visit memorable and enjoyable. For over thirty years he has worked for many organizations; the Smithsonian Institution, California Academy of Sciences, Point Reyes Field Institute, Speyside Wildlife, Road Scholar, Oceanic Society and Wild Wings. The full listing of his outings and some of his photographs are on his website, www.calnaturalist.com

Details:

-We will be meeting at the Tomales Bakery

- 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 before 48 hours in advance will be declined. For COVID cancellation policy, see below.

- 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 essential

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.

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

COVID-19 Field Institute Guidelines

In accordance with Marin County guidelines for public health and safety, we will require all participants to respect the following COVID-19 procedures:

Perform a health self-check before coming to class using the CDC Symptoms of Coronavirus as a guide

Do not attend class if you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, suspect you have been exposed to the virus, or are suffering from any other flu-like or respiratory illness.

Participants exhibiting signs of respiratory illness may be asked to leave class

NOTE: Refund policy exceptions will be made for participants cancelling last minute due to COVID-19 infection or symptoms. Please contact us in this case.

During class all participants will be required to do the following

Wear a protective face covering

Maintain a 6 foot physical distance from other participants not belonging to your household

Bring your own food and water

Current group sizes are limited, there will be no physical contact or sharing of food and drink, and no shared physical equipment or materials unless they are sanitized before and after use, and used by only one person for the duration of class

Thank you for your cooperation in following these guidelines to help keep everyone safe.