PRNSA: Down for the Count hits 46
Point Reyes National Seashore Association (PRNSA) delivered a near-magical day of birding.
Biologist David Wimpfheimer led our small caravan from the ranger station to the tiny town of Inverness to a small parking lot accessing the south end of Tomales Bay. Here, he positioned a powerful spotting scope aimed at the water teaming with birds. Then, casually, he asked someone from our group to look through the glass.
"It's a bald eagle!"
A memorable marketing parable describes a master carpenter's cure for a squeaky wooden floor. After a minute of assessing the sound and boards, he sunk a single nail into the hardwood and handed the customer a bill for $100. The customer, baffled by the cost, asked the carpenter to itemize the minuscule work session. The carpenter takes back the invoice and writes, "Nail: $1. Knowing where to put it, $99."
A professional naturalist and bird expert David Wimpfheimer knows where to hammer.
The birding smorgasbord, Down for the Count: Exploring Bird Diversity in Point Reyes, moved deeper into the National Seashore. Here, David pointed out Pacific golden plover, long-billed curlew, herons, and egrets as well as two spectacular western bluebirds. Next, to Drakes Bay, passing the massive antlers on a large herd of elk along the way. At Drakes, a concise walk to a tree where several Townsend's Wobblers dove and darted in the branches.
"Flying jewelry!" explained Anne, an adept birder in our group. Townsends are bright yellow and black, a stunning contrast against the calm coastal colors.
Fifty yards later, we entered a small stand of trees, and David put his finger to his lips. Quietly we followed. Again, he set up the spotting scope, aimed, and focused. Each of us marveled at the barn owl snoozing on a branch. Then, adjusting the scope, David framed a great horned owl. "That barn owl is uncomfortable with the great horned owl in the next tree."
Altogether, we saw 46 species of birds in three hours. Wow. I've been to Point Reyes many times, yet this event gave me fresh eyes to discover a new depth in the beauty I already adore. Down for the Count is part of a layered list of programs and events that heighten PRNSA's rich brand quality.
Camino update: As we cross into the new year, it's time to increase Gypsy's conditioning for our walk to Point Reyes in May. Research led me to the RUFFWEAR, Approach Dog Backpack (in Poppy Orange), for our journey. She'll begin wearing the pack empty until she's accustomed to it, then gradually add weight, never exceeding 25% of her body weight.