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September 22, 2004 Today, September 22nd is the Fall equinox for the Northern Hemisphere at 9:30 am! It is followed by the full moon on September 28th, traditionally known as the Harvest Moon which often appears a more bronze/orange color due to atmospheric haze. Birding reports from Rich Stallcup at the outer point - In the Lighthouse trees: Grey cheeked Thrush, two Bobolinks, a Least Flycatcher and a palm warbler. A young female redstart at the Nunes Trees. Over 100 Fox sparrows 'everywhere'. It is a wonderful time as warm temperatures in September and October make comfortable travel. The clumps of cypress trees along Sir Francis Drake Highway to the Lighthouse are good spots to observe - they offer cover and respite to migrating birds. Marin County Open Space and Parks is offering some bird walks - Thursday, September 23 9:00 am to 2:00 pm - Birds of Bolinas Lagoon. Meet at the Bob Stewart Trailhead east of the nursery the Bolinas Fairfax Road. Wednesday, September 29 10:00 am to 2:00 pm Estero Trail - Look for owls and shorebirds along this trail in the north area of Point Reyes. Fall color is beginning - poison oak plants are turning reddish and dropping leaves and their small white berries may be observed. The berries are an important food source for winter birds. Big Leaf Maples are turning yellow along the Bear Valley Trail. Coyote brush is flowering and the bushes close to the Bear Valley Visitor Center are alive with pollinating bees - with careful observation you see the yellow globs of pollen on their legs. Coffee berries are also in fruit, the reddish berries are turning black. The Coast Live Oak trees (smooth cap, pointed acorn) and the Tanbark Oak (fuzzy cap, big acorn) Trees are full of green acorns that continue to ripen in the fall sun. The traditional Acorn Festival is being revived by the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria at Kule Loklo on October 16th. October 1st a chip sealing project is slated to begin on Limantour Road which may cause delays. October 4th - Horse Trail will be closed due to ongoing trail rehabilitation. The temporary closure is in place while heavy equipment is used in the area. September 3, 2004 Holiday Weekend Update Today, Friday, is a 'red flag' extreme fire danger day and Mt. Vision Road is closed. No wood or charcoal fires or smoking on trails is permitted. If you are planning a beach fire this weekend, double-check at (415) 464-5100 x2 x1, if the warm weather continues the fire danger will remain 'extreme'. A large crane is in place at Chimney Rock - it is placing test pilings for the planned restoration of the historic railways at the Lifeboat Station. Boaters - the sperm whale carcass that washed into Drakes Estero has beached itself along the west side beaches and on warm days is very "fragrant." The car burglaries along Limantour Road have dropped off and rangers continue to develop their investigation. However, do not leave any valuables in your car; any packs, cameras etc. in the front or back seats. Report any suspicious activities to park visitor centers or rangers. Roundup of Labor Day Activities: The Santa Rosa Yacht Club has a permit for 100 on Marshall Beach for camping and holding Yacht Races in the bay. A picnic permit for 50+ people has been issued for Sunday, September 5th at Bear Valley. Saturday, September 4th - Marin County Parks has issued a permit for White House Pool for a community event 50+ in the afternoon. Sunday, September 5th - The 24th Annual Sand Sculpture Contest at Drakes Beach; registration begins at 9:00 am with judging beginning at 12:30 pm and prizes awarded at 3:00 pm. (415) 464-5140 or 663-8522 ext. 5140. |
Last updated: February 28, 2015