Bolinas Lagoon – Pine Gulch: https://ebird.org/checklist/S155803300

Date: Nov. 29, 2023

Location: Bolinas Lagoon (37.9210° N, 122.6800° W), Elevation = ~ sea level

Site Description: The topography around Bolinas Lagoon is a mix of coastal plains, marshes, and estuarine habitats. The lagoon itself is a shallow water body that connects to the Pacific Ocean. It has tidal marshes, mudflats, coastal grasslands, and riparian zones. Key bird species include Long-billed Curlews, Willets, American Wigeons, etc.

Species Account: Willet (Tringa semipalmata)

The Willet is a large shorebird with distinctive markings. It measures from about 14-18 inches in length. Its plumage is black and white striped patterns on its wings and mottled grayish-brownish body. They are known for their bold foraging behavior. They are often seen probing the mudflats and shallow waters with their long, straight bills. There were many Willets in the mudflats and tidal areas on our trip to Bolinas.

Narrative:

We left for Bolinas around 8:20 AM, the drive was long, scenic, and windy. We reached around 9:30 AM and walked the trail all the way, the chilly weather was worth this beautiful view and birds. While walking back on the edge of the lagoon where all the water had reached, my whole foot got drenched in mud and nasty water. I was the first to experience the soggy feeling from my other peers🤣and they laughed at me until it happened to them💀 The second time it happened, it happened to all of us and it felt so disgusting I couldn’t help but scream🤣🤣🤣 I’m going to have lower Dr. Paul’s rating on rate my professor for not warning us to bring extra socks, and better protective shoes LOL jk! We made it back to our car alive surprisingly! We then headed back around 12 PM, I rushed to Paavani’s dorm to borrow her slides and a new pair of socks LOL!

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