With nearly 490 bird species recorded (45% of all species in North America), Point Reyes National Seashore has the greatest avian diversity of any NPS park unit. Each species of non-endangered bird occurring in the Seashore, either as a migrant or a resident, may be represented by a limited series of specimens: one good study skin and skull of an adult male, adult female, and immature individual if the young show significant differences from the adults, and a minimum number of specimens needed to illustrate the range of morphological differences present in the species, to show seasonal and transitional stages of plumage observed in the park, and to record local varieties. Also, complete skeletal remains, one nest of each species, the minimum number of eggs required to show variation, and pellets may be collected. Birds that are endangered, threatened, or rare will be collected only as road kills or specimens found dead, should a species be determined to lack representation in the museum. Links:Locations holding bird specimens found on the Point Reyes Peninsula: Photo Gallery: |
Last updated: August 27, 2021