Viewing Great Blue Herons, Great Egrets and other Swell Birds

According to insideBayArea.com, March 11th marked the opening of of Audubon Canyon Ranch's Bolinas Lagoon Preserve to the public for the four-month heron and egret mating season.

From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekends and holidays, visitors to the Marin County preserve three miles north of Stinson Beach can get a close-up look at more than 100 pairs of great blue herons, great egrets and snowy egrets as they court their mates, build nests and raise their young. The location of such a large number of nests in the redwoods of Picher Canyon along Highway 1 makes this site one of the most easily accessible in the world.

Visitors can bird-watch while picnicking in a grassy grove just a short walk from the parking area, browse the book store and education center or take a short scenic hike to the telescope-equipped wooden viewing decks above the nesting site. Wear walking shoes, bring binoculars and prepare to be wowed by this bird's-eye view of nature in action. Schools and other groups may visit during other hours by appointment. Call (415) 868-9244.

Like to Bike?

A bicycling enthusiast who happened to rent our house provided me with a few links to Marin County Parks and Recreation Resources, as well as maps and descriptions of 4 Great Rides.

The Marin Cyclists Road Club has a 53 page Winter 05/06 Newsletter.

And finally, the Marin County Bicycle Coalition (MCBC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit membership organization that was founded in 1998. Our mission is to promote safe bicycling for everyday transportation and recreation.