Audubon Canyon Ranch, Cypress Grove Research Center, Marshall, CA
Saturday, October 10 • 8 AM - 11 AM
Overview
Join ecologist David Lumpkin for a morning looking for migratory birds at Cypress Grove Preserve.
Join us for a morning of birding at Cypress Grove Preserve, a unique destination where natural beauty, rich history, and abundant wildlife come together along the shores of Tomales Bay.
Cypress Grove Preserve encompasses approximately 100 acres and serves as a center for scientific research, long-term ecological monitoring, education, and stewardship. Surrounded by towering Monterey cypress trees and wind-swept hedges, the preserve is situated on the eastern shore of Tomales Bay with eelgrass beds, native grasslands, and coastal marshes that support a remarkable diversity of birdlife.
During our walk, we'll scan Tomales Bay for the occasional jaeger, search through flocks of returning sparrows, and listen carefully for the distinctive chip notes of migrating warblers. Whether you're an experienced birder or just getting started, this outing offers an excellent opportunity to connect with nature and improve your bird identification skills.
The walk will cover approximately 1–2 miles on mostly flat trails, with a few uneven sections. Please bring binoculars and, if you're comfortable carrying one, a spotting scope. Fall is often one of the most pleasant seasons along the coast, but conditions can change quickly — dress in layers and be prepared for fog, wind, and cool temperatures.
Come enjoy the sights and sounds of the season while exploring one of Tomales Bay's most scenic and ecologically significant coastal preserves.
About your guide:
David Lumpkin, ecologist, joined All Hands Ecology in March 2017 as a lead scientist on the Heron and Egret Telemetry Project. David earned a bachelor's degree in biology from Oberlin College. While there he conducted research on the role of plumage and bill coloration in goldfinches as a signal of physiological health. After graduating, David worked as a field technician for a variety of organizations conducting research on wild birds, banding migrants, and aiding conservation and recovery efforts. Focal species David has worked with include Golden-Cheeked Warblers, Yellow-Billed Cuckoos, Golden Eagles, and San Clemente Island Loggerhead Shrikes.