Giacomini Wetlands Bird Observation & Drawing with Kacy McKinney

Come spread your wings and join us for a day of observation, creativity, and connection with nature! Artist, avid birder and Mesa Refuge alum Kacy McKinney is facilitating this session at the Point Reyes Birding and Nature Festival, where she’ll lead a leisurely walk through the Giacomini Wetlands, which form 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. We will be on the lookout for two special species: the elegant White-tailed Kite and the charismatic Black Phoebe. As we walk, we’ll take time to observe, document, and discuss our sightings.

Then, we’ll migrate to Mesa Refuge, overlooking the wetlands, for a drawing session. Using 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.

More Information About This Event:

Experience Levels/Ages: All Levels, Ages 12+

Difficulty/Length: Easy, <1-mile roundtrip

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, and she will have her art on display at the EAC office festival weekend through August 2025. View her work or follow her on Instagram: @kacy.mckinney.

This event is presented as part of the Point Reyes Birding and Nature Festival, taking place April 25-27. Tickets are $50, registration required.