Friday, September 20 · 9:30am - 4pm PDT
Location: Drakes Beach
Tickets: $80-90
This class will focus on the migration of passerines, raptors, shorebirds, seabirds and other species at the Point Reyes headlands.
Fall is perhaps the most exciting time to see birds at the national seashore. On our short walks we will search cypress trees, willow thickets, riparian swales, beaches, open water and other habitats for a variety of birds. The abundance of passerines and raptors is highly dependent on weather factors. Explore habitats near Chimney Rock, Drakes Beach or possibly Abbotts Lagoon.
This class will focus on bird identification. The Outer Point Reyes Peninsula can be a mecca for birds and birdwatchers during autumn migration. The month of September is the peak of songbird passage and when conditions are right – lack of strong northwest winds, night sky obscured by high overcast – migrant landbirds fall out on the outer point. Most of these are moderately common species that breed in the western part of the continent. However, some are species that are rare in California, vagrants, birds off course from their normal migratory routes.
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.For any questions, please email us at fieldinstitute@ptreyes.org.