Public Season at Audubon Canyon Ranch’s Martin Griffin Preserve

Martin Griffin Preserve (formerly called Bolinas Lagoon Preserve) hosts one of the most studied Great Egret nesting sites on the West Coast. Each year visitors can enjoy viewing approximately 100 active nests in a grove of redwoods on the property. 

Throughout public season, visitors can witness various stages of the nesting cycle including courting rituals, nest building, eggs, chicks and first flights. Public season is every Saturday and Sunday as posted until July 15, 2012.

What is the best time to visit to see the herons and egrets nesting?
The entire season is good. You can see different stages of development. From late March and through April, the courting rituals among the birds are taking place. In April and May, many eggs and chicks are visible. In June and July, chicks can be seen, raucously begging for food. Some first flights can also be witnessed.

Martin Griffin Preserve includes bird and wildlife viewing platforms outfitted with spotting scopes and binoculars, eight miles of hiking trails, picnic tables, and an environmental education-focused bookstore and natural history exhibit.

Directions, hours and frequently asked questions.

For more information, visit www.egret.org or call 415-868-9244.