Humans have had a unique relationship and fascination with raptors for thousands of years, from simple appreciation of these winged wonders, to the ancient sport of falconry, and more recently, as scientists and engineers turn to these mighty birds for aircraft inspiration. Now you and a special guest can gain a deeper appreciation for these elite winged predators with this private 4-hour birding adventure with biologist and professional naturalist David Wimpfheimer for two, plus a pair of Eagle Optics Ranger ED 10 x 42 binoculars and harness straps for you and a guest to take home.

David is an experienced birder and knowledgeable instructor who has been teaching and sharing the outdoors with people of all ages for over 30 years. He will guide you and your guest around Point Reyes National Seashore to discover the amazing diversity of our feathered friends, and specifically to search out local birds of prey. David will discuss the differences between hawks, falcons, eagles and other raptors, and share key identification tips like wing shape, color, behavior and flight patterns, that can help you distinguish various species. Species may include the American kestrel, Northern harrier, Black-shouldered kite, Sharp-shinned hawk, Cooper's hawk, Ferruginous hawk, Red-tailed and Red-shouldered hawks, Osprey, and Golden and Bald eagles.

With over 490 avian species (51% of all North American birds) sighted at Point Reyes National Seashore, this National Park Service site offers some of the finest birdwatching in the United States. The peninsula sits along the Pacific Flyway and has over 70,000 acres of forest, marsh, freshwater, marine and grassland habitats that harbor an incredible variety of bird life. Surveys have documented that more Peregrine falcons are seen here than any other location in North America during the winter.

The winning bidder will receive two pairs of water and fog-proof Ranger ED 10 x 42 binoculars plus harness straps courtesy of our friends at Eagle Optics. By taking the consistent reliability of Ranger binoculars and incorporating high-quality, extra-low (ED) dispersion glass with dielectric and phase-corrected prism coatings, and fully multi-coated lenses, the Eagle Optics Ranger ED exceeds today’s expectations. Whether you need a good close focus for observing nature’s dainty delights, a wide field of view for spotting those speedy warblers, or extra magnification and light gathering for long-distance viewing, the Ranger ED helps you reach new heights in your viewing pursuits.

Point Reyes Books will also provide you and your guest with two signed copies of newly released The Sibley Guide to Birds, 2nd Edition written and illustrated by David Allen Sibley, and two Point Reyes Bird Checklists by Rich Stallcup to start your next birding adventure out in West Marin. Point Reyes National Seashore Association will provide you both your individual copies of the Point Reyes Bird Checklist to record what you see in the field.  

This is a perfect outing to develop or enhance your birding skills, or a great gift for a bird lover in your life. Bid today!