Come spread your wings and join us for a day of observation, creativity, and connection with nature! Join artist, avid birder, and Mesa Refuge alum Kacy McKinney for a leisurely exploration of the Point Reyes Mesa, above the headwaters of Tomales Bay, the 9-mile-long sliver of saltwater that separates the Point Reyes Peninsula from mainland California. Here, we’ll observe a diverse array of birds—from raptors and shorebirds to flycatchers, swallows, wrens, finches, and warblers. As we explore, we’ll take time to observe, document, and discuss our sightings.

Then, we’ll go inside Mesa Refuge for a drawing session. Using a graphite pencil or ink, we’ll create black-and-white sketches that capture the birds we’ve encountered. With an emphasis on bird heads, we’ll explore ways to bring character and expression into our artwork. No drawing experience is needed—just curiosity and a love of birds! Please bring your journal or sketchbook along with your favorite drawing tools (pencil, ink pen). A small selection of paper, pencils, erasers, and pens will be provided.

This event is part of the Point Reyes Birding & Nature Festival. Please visit their website for more information about the festival.

Kacy McKinney is an artist, avid birder, and scholar. She was raised in Point Reyes Station and now lives in Portland, Oregon. Kacy has a Ph.D. in geography and has taught at the university level for 15 years. She is currently Artist-Scholar in Residence at the Homelessness Research and Action Collaborative at Portland State University. Kacy was a resident at Mesa Refuge in 2019. View her work, or follow her on Instagram: @kacy.mckinney.