If you have any questions or problems regarding the location of a nest, please contact the Presidio Trust Natural Resources Program at (415) 561-4449.

Springtime in the Presidio and elsewhere means the arrival of many species of birds which have spent the winter in areas as distant as South America. Many of these birds stop only briefly in the Presidio to feed and rest as they continue their migratory journey as far north as Alaska. For others, the Presidio is a final destination where they mate, build nests, and feed and nurture a new generation of young birds before returning to their wintering grounds in the south.

Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918

More than eighty years ago the United States and other countries established laws to protect migratory birds. The Migratory Bird Treaty Act decrees that all migratory birds (including eggs, nests and feathers) are fully protected.

Migratory Birds in the Presidio

There are more than 150 species of migratory birds that make use of the Presidio as either a nesting site or as a brief stopover en route to the north. Migratory species that you may see in your neighborhoods include Allen’s Hummingbirds, Violet-green Swallows, Olive-sided Flycatchers and Barn Swallows.

Barn Swallows

Of all the Presidio’s migratory birds, you are most likely to see Barn Swallows nesting next to your homes. Adult Barn Swallows take advantage of nesting spaces on buildings that provide their young with protection from terrestrial predators and weather. Cup-shaped nests are built from mud collected from places like Crissy Field. Barn Swallow nesting season ranges between April and August, after which families return to their wintering grounds in South America.

Tips for Living with your Avian Neighbors

• Please respect the privacy of the nests. If there is a problem with the location of a nest (i.e. near a doorway), please contact the Presidio Trust Natural Resources Program at (415) 561-4449.
• Please ensure that raccoons and other wildlife do not access your garbage. Unnaturally high numbers predatory mammals impact the bird community as they prey on the eggs and chicks of migratory and resident birds.
• As always, please keep pet supervised and on leash.