Sat. Sept. 20, 9am-4pm

Bodega Bay, nestled on the Sonoma coast west of Sebastopol, is one of the best birding locations of the North Bay, designated an IBA (Important Bird Area) by the American Bird Conservancy. The marshes, headlands, coves and willow thickets that surround the bay host great numbers and varieties of birds. Peregrine falcons, Snowy plovers, loons, shorebirds, turnstones, perhaps a late osprey, songbirds, ducks and wildfowl swim and dive in the calm waters. Rarities occasionally turn up, such as the Steller’s Eider, Emperor goose and Red-throated Grebe. We will spend the day circling the bay, visiting Bodega Head, Doran Beach, Owl Canyon, Spud Pt. Marina and Hole-in-the-Head. Minimal walking; bring lunch (or purchase one) and drinks.