Richardson Bay for kids
Richardson Bay and the Seals. A true story near Tamalpais Valley, CA, told for kids 3-12.
Read along
Look out at the water on this side! This is Richardson Bay. It's named after a sailor from England, William Richardson, who sailed here more than two hundred years ago and stayed. He became the captain of the whole bay, helping ships find their way, and he had a big ranch on these hills.
Now, play detective with me. Look for tall white birds, standing very still in the water on long skinny legs. Those are egrets and herons, and they're fishing! And sometimes, if you're lucky, you'll see harbor seals in the water, with their round heads and big dark eyes, looking right back at you.
This bay is a special safe home for birds and seals. Can you spot one?
Quiz the back seat
What are the tall white birds standing in the water?
Show the answer
Egrets. Egrets! They stand super still, then zap, they catch a fish.
Fun facts
- Named for William A. Richardson, who arrived in 1822.
- Richardson Bay is a protected home for harbor seals and birds.
For grown-ups
Written by the Tumbly team, then checked claim by claim against the sources below before it was published; stories that don't pass stay off the app and this site. Narration is pre-recorded, and nothing you do on this page is tied to your kids.
Sources
More stories in Tamalpais Valley
Roads
Town and county names: GeoNames (CC BY 4.0).