PRBO Science

Perched on a bluff at the edge of the continent, almost a stone's throw from the sea, sits the Point Reyes Bird Observatory's Palomarin field station. For over 40 years scientists have captured and banded birds here making this the oldest continuously operating banding station in western North America. This active research station also plays host to visitors interested in learning about the work they do. On a slightly cool and hazy day Patrick and I made the drive from Napa to visit this venerable institution. We could not have picked a better time to visit. When we arrived we were greeted by Francesca an intern at PRBO and she showed us some of the equipment they use to do their work. PRBO offers these open times to the public on Saturday, Sunday and Wednesday mornings and we were lucky to be the only public there for the period of our stay. Patrick had a lot of good questions and she fielded them all. As we talked her radio crackled and her partner Dan Lipp let her know he was bringing in a bird. Soon Dan came in with a Western Scrub Jay and we watched as they went through the processing of the bird. This involves lots of measuring and weighing to try and determine sex and age and since this bird had been caught before an older band that had become too tight had to be replaced as well. We had a truly delightful time with Dan and Francesca. They allowed us to accompany them as they visited all the nets and to watch closely as they banded and measured the birds that were caught. The highlight of the day had to be when Patrick was able to hold two different Allen's Hummingbirds in the palm of his hand as they were being released. If you would like to visit the Palomarin Field Station or even join PRBO as we have, you can get more information by clicking on the link to the right.