WIRES, cables, laptop computers and video cameras were posted near a quiet Richardson Bay beach last week as Marin students took part in a multi-country effort tracking shorebirds migrating from Panama to Alaska.

The U.S. Forest Service-sponsored program, "Migration Science and Mystery: A Distance Learning Adventure," has followed the birds via live Webcasts and e-mails as they make their way north along the Pacific Flyway.

On Thursday, crews set up near the Lyford House in Tiburon to catch the birds, such as Western sandpiper, forage for food along the muddy shores of Richardson Bay. More than 200,000 children from all over the country were signed up for the virtual field trip on the Web. Students from Bel Aire School in Tiburon were on hand to participate.

"This is such a fantastic way for kids to learn about shorebirds and the importance of Richardson Bay in the whole process," said Caroline Warner, who hosted the Webcast. She is the public outreach coordinator for the Novato-based Bay Area Joint Venture, which promotes wetland restoration.

Birds like Richardson Bay because it is protected - 900 acres are in a no-boat zone - and its muddy shores are full of worms, clams and other goodies birds love to feast on during their 6,500-mile journey.

The Richardson Bay Audubon Center helps manage the area. Alaska is the destination, where the birds breed, scientists say.

"This is the first time there have been Webcasts watching the journey," said Melissa Pitkin, education director with the Point Reyes Bird Observatory Conservation Science. "We can show people the important link between the birds and the wetlands here."

During the Webcast, wildlife biologists spoke about the birds' journey and how officials track them with using radio telemetry.

Students from around the country sent in questions via e-mail.

"I like to see all the birds out here eating worms" said Tyler Peck, 9, a fourth-grader from Bel Air School. "It's a better experience being here than reading it in a book."

The next Webcast will be broadcast from Vancouver on Tuesday.