Northern Pintails, White-fronted Geese and Green-Winged Teals are just some of the species making a welcome return to the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area in the fall migration. Members of the public are invited to join lead docent Betty Berteaux and a team of assistant docents on a public tour of the Wildlife Area, November 10th 9:00am-12:00pm. Northern Pintails are named for their long pointed tails. They are large dabbling ducks which breed in the arctic and are one of the first species to arrive in the Central Valley in the fall. Their slender necks, streamlined silhouettes and the elegant brown, black and white markings of the male make them easily recognizable. In flight, the pointed wings look like flying crosses. Female Northern Pintails quack, but the male bird has a wheezing whistle. While Northern Pintail numbers are still in the millions, the National Audubon Society reports a 77% population decline over the last 40 years. This decline has been attributed to the loss of natural grasslands and wetlands due to human land use. All interested tour participants will meet at 9:00am in Parking Lot A (the first parking lot) in the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area, at the west end of the Yolo Causeway bridge. No reservations are required. Participants should bring their own binoculars, water (no potable water on site), insect repellent and field guide. Docents will have spotting scopes to enhance wildlife viewing. This is a driving tour on gravel roads with several stops and short walks. Further directions to reach the tour are available on the Yolo Basin Foundation website at www.yolobasin.org. A $5 donation is suggested from all trip participants. Children under 12 and members of the Yolo Basin Foundation are free. For more information please call Sarah Ross at (530) 757-4828 or visit the Yolo Basin Foundation website at www.yolobasin.org. Yolo Basin is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the appreciation and stewardship of wetlands and wildlife through education and innovative partnerships.