BIRD BANDING IN BOLINAS

On the outskirts of Bolinas, in the southern section of Point Reyes National Seashore, the Palomarin Field Station has been banding birds and recording patterns in migration and other habits since 1966. It’s the oldest banding station west of the Mississippi River. Just off the main road, it’s surrounded by trees and coastal scrub that protect it from the dramatic wind and waves of the Pacific. Here, visitors join the staff of Point Blue Conservation Science on a short, song-filled hike. A path that cuts through crooked oak trees and bushy ferns is lined with high, finely meshed netting that is nearly invisible from a short distance away. Once the birds hit the net, they become trapped in the folds. During winter, the nets are checked every 30 minutes from sunrise until noon Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday. Back at the field station, netted birds are banded with a nine-digit ID number. If the bird is recaptured, this will help determine its life span. Tiny GPS and geo-locators pinpoint their migratory patterns and may help biologists and conservationists make sure they have a place to land and refuel. Point Blue has been expanding to other hot spots along the Pacific Flyway, including Alaska. Birds are considered indicators of a healthy ecosystem, and Point Blue is increasingly focusing its research on climate change. The birds that visitors witness being banded might one day prove to be the canaries in the coal mine. 999 Mesa Road, Bolinas. Sunrise to noon Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday from Thanksgiving through May, and TuesdaySunday from June through Thanksgiving. Go early (between 8 and 11 a.m.) for the best chance of seeing birds. Nets are not open on rainy or windy days. Call the hotline, (415) 868-0655, Ext. 395, to check conditions. www.pointblue.org