Fall Migration at the Seashore: Waterbirds and Raptors

Abbotts Lagoon and Tomales Bay are important habitats for many waterbirds, raptors and shorebirds. Observe and ID as they migrate through!

By early November most of our wintering birds have arrived at the productive and diverse habitats of Point Reyes. Abbotts Lagoon 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.

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.

You will focus on bird identification and behavior during short and easy hikes. This class begins with a three mile walk at Abbotts Lagoon followed by shorter walks at the edge of Tomales Bay. You will also visit other upland habitats and an overlook of the Giacomini wetlands, one of the largest wetland restoration projects on the California coast.