Palomarin Field Station (Point Blue): https://ebird.org/checklist/S152509468
Date: October 11, 2023
Location: Palomarin Field Station (Point Blue)
Site Description: Palomarin Field Station is located at the southern end of Point Reyes National Seashore in Bolinas, California. It is a location for long-term studies on birds and their habitats. The topography of the area is rolling hills with coastal bluffs. The habitat includes a coastal scrub and mixed conifer forest. Some of the key bird species include: Red-tailed hawk, Osprey, Peregrine falcon, Norther flicker, Golden eagle, etc. There were a few trails/paths where they had the nets attached.
Species account: Hermit Thrush (Catharus guttatus)
The Hermit Thrush is a small, migratory songbird that is about 6.5-7 inches in length and has a wingspan of about 10-11 inches. Its upper body is reddish-brown with dark spots, and a white underside, with soft, spots on its breast. Hermit Thrushes are known for their shy behavior and are often found foraging on the forest floors for insects, berries, and small invertebrates. It is heard more than seen. They breed in North America and winter in Central/South America. They are monogamous, and both parents help in building the nest and caring for the young.
The Hermit Thrush we observed was while it was being banded.
Narrative: We left for Point Blue around 9:15 am in our big Red Van! The drive there was beautiful and was like a rollercoaster! The weather was nice overall, it was a bit breezy and I felt cold. It was really amazing to see the Hermit Thrush being banded and also was cool to hear about how the individuals working at the station got into bird banding. We started to head back around 12:40 pm. My highlight of the trip was the Bollywood music on the way back and seeing Professor Paul vibe to it!🤣
Photos:
Sources:
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Cornell Lab of Ornithology. “Hermit Thrush.” All About Birds. Cornell Lab of Ornithology, 2023. Web. 17 Oct. 2023. <https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Hermit_Thrush>.