California: Whales and Wildlife at Point Reyes

Heralded by the arrival of mature elephant seals and migrating waterfowl and shorebirds, winter at Point Reyes also brings the annual migration of gray whales along the coast, plus spawning Coho salmon and steelhead trout up coastal streams.

Winter is also time for Point Reyes Lodging's Whales and Wildlife promotion. From now through March 31, 2007, guests can stay two nights midweek and get the third night free at any of Point Reyes Lodging's 17 bed and breakfast inns and cottages. Holiday periods are excluded and advance reservations are required.

To make a Whales & Wildlife reservation, visit www.ptreyes.com and contact the inn or cottage of your choice. Mention Whales & Wildlife when you make your reservation.

In addition to the special Whales & Wildlife offer, Point Reyes Lodging innkeepers have compiled the following list of their favorite winter wildlife viewing locations. Innkeepers have selected places that will enhance a visitor's wildlife experience at Point Reyes. Don't forget your spotting scope or binoculars!

FAVORITE WINTER WILDLIFE SPOTS

Gray Whales - Jutting ten miles into the Pacific Ocean, the Point Reyes Peninsula is one of the best spots to view gray whales on their annual migration from Alaska to Baja, California. The areas around Chimney Rock and the Point Reyes Lighthouse in Point Reyes National Seashore offer some of the best whale watching from land during the migration from December through early April. Mothers and calves may be seen close to shore anywhere along Point Reyes in late April and early May.

Northern Elephant Seals - These extraordinary marine mammals can measure anywhere between 9 to 16-feet long and weigh up to 5,000-pounds. Adult males are identified by their large, trunk-like nose. The best areas in Point Reyes National Seashore for viewing elephant seals are from the lighthouse parking lot overlooking South Beach, down by the historic Lifeboat Station, and a viewing area about a ¼-mile walk from the Chimney Rock parking lot.

Waterfowl and Shorebirds. The annual Christmas Bird Count through the Point Reyes Bird Observatory typically counts some 200 species of birds on the Point Reyes Peninsula. Best areas for viewing include - Tomales Bay, Drakes Estero, Abbotts Lagoon, Chimney Rock, Fivebrooks Pond, and Bolinas Lagoon. Among the shorebirds, expect to see Willet, Marbled Godwit, Whimbrel, Black or Ruddy Turnstone, Short and Long-billed Dowitcher, and Western Sandpiper. Waterfowl found in the area include American Wigeon, Bufflehead, Northern Shoveler, Cinnamon and Green-winged Teal, Northern Pintail, Canvasback, and Mallard.

Coho Salmon & Steelhead Trout - Some of the best streams for viewing spawning Coho salmon and steelhead trout are - Lagunitas Creek. Leo T. Cronin Fish Viewing Area, Shafter Bridge on Sir Francis Drake Blvd. at eastern boundary of Samuel P. Taylor State Park, ½ mile west of town of Lagunitas; Devil's Gulch. A few miles west of the Samuel P. Taylor State Park entrance on Sir Francis Drake Boulevard. The trail begins on the north side of the road, across from the pullout on Sir Francis Drake Boulevard. Olema Creek. Five Brooks Trailhead off Highway One, approximately 3 miles south of the intersection of Highway One and Sir Francis Drake Boulevard in Olema. Park at the trailhead and follow the driveway back towards Highway One. On the right side, follow the path to the creek's edge.

The Point Reyes Lodging Association is a collection of 17 unique bed and breakfast inns and cottages near Point Reyes National Seashore. For more information about Point Reyes Lodging, call (800) 539-1872 or visit www.ptreyes.com, and don't forget to enter the drawing for a free night's stay at a participating Point Reyes Lodging property.

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