April 2024
Point Reyes Birding Festival - 4/21/2024
Attending Members: Rajan Rao, Eddie Monson, Owen Bowie, Chris Henry, Angel, Uriel, Elianai
Attending Members: Rajan Rao, Eddie Monson, Owen Bowie, Chris Henry, Angel, Uriel, Elianai
This month’s club trip was in partnership with the Point Reyes Birding Festival by the EAC, and consisted of a young birders walk through a few different habitats of Marin County. We first gathered by the Tocoloma bridge to observe the breeding birds of the wooded riparian. Our group consisted of guides, Eddie and Rajan; returning members, Chris and Owen; and 6 new birders from Paul Revere Elementary. In no time, everyone was engrossed in the dawn choruses. The group got amazing looks at a gorgeous orange Spotted Towhee and a shadowy-blue Steller’s Jay. During our time, singing Warbling Vireos and Wilson’s Warblers filled the air. Additionally, a “California” Pipevine Swallowtail appeared from the shadows and flashed its gorgeous blue wings. From there, we ventured up the road to an open cow pasture to look at some grassland birds. Almost immediately, the group locked onto a Grasshopper Sparrow—a lifer for some—and documented it extensively. Additionally, we found a highly cooperative Lark Sparrow. which allowed for some unforgettable photo and recording opportunities. Afterwards, we drove down to Giacomini Wetlands where we got visuals on a Virginia Rail and a Wilson’s Snipe, two notably elusive species. We also flipped a beautiful Western Yellow-bellied Racer under a log. Finally, the group broke off and ended the unseasonably warm day with soft serve from Point Reyes Station and a walk around some of the educational nature-related workshops set-up by the EAC.