NATURE: Discovering the Birds of the Presidio

Friday, Jul 07, 2017 Category Nature and Science

Did you know 323 different bird species use the Presidio? Located along the Pacific Flyway at the edge of one of the most productive estuaries in the country, and with wonderful bird-friendly places like Mountain Lake, El Polin Spring, and Crissy Marsh, the Presidio is a fantastic place for birdwatching.

Here in the park there are many opportunities to celebrate the Presidio’s beautiful array of birds. Here are a few ways to get started on your bird explorations.

Discover Bird Chalk Art by Local Nature Artists on a Self-Guided Adventure

In July 2017, Bay Area nature artists created beautiful sidewalk chalk art showcasing the birds of the Presidio. These treasure, located at eight sites around the park, can be viewed on a 2.9 mile stroll that begins at the Presidio Visitor Center. The art is expected to stay in place through September, or until it’s washed away by little feet or rain. Before you head over, watch this two-minute video to see the artists at work.

Download a map of the Presidio Bird Chalk Art Locations (8 sites) >>

Take a Guided Walk Where Nature and Art Come Together

guided birds and bird art treasure hunts

If you’d rather do your exploring in the company of other park lovers, join us for a two-mile, family-friendly guided hike led by Presidio art docents, Presidio trail ambassadors, and Golden Gate Audubon Society guides. Bring your binoculars and see how many bird species you can spot. You’ll also be introduced to the chalk sites described above. Space is limited and registration is required.

Wednesday, August 9, 2 to 4 pm >>
Saturday, August 12, 10:30 am to 12:30 pm >>
Wednesday, September 13, 2 to 4 pm >>
Saturday, September 16, 10:30 am to 12:30 pm >>

Golden Gate Audubon Society Centennial Exhibit

The Tides Thoreau Center in the Presidio is celebrating the Golden Gate Audubon Society Centennial with a special free exhibit focused on Bay Area birds and Audubon's achievements on their behalf. It's open weekdays from 9 am to 5 pm through September 29, 2017. Details are on the Audubon website.

Birds of Mountain Lake Guide

In 2016, Presidio teen Jonah Benningfield participated in a Summer Youth Learning Service Project where he developed a handy – and very colorful – guide to the birds of Mountain Lake. Read more and download the guide here >>

PRESIDIO KIDS: Three Kid-Friendly Ways to Explore Mountain Lake as a Family	If there’s one place we could agree where San Francisco REALLY began, it would have to be at Mountain Lake – one of the last natural lakes in the City and the only natural lake in the entire Golden Gate National Recreation Area.
Presidio Discovery: Four Free Events in the Presidio this Summer	The Presidio hosts some of the most exciting events in San Francisco, including picnics, dance performances, festivals, and cultural events.
Construction of an Air Station at Crissy Field	In September 1921, the Army completed construction of an air coast defense station at Crissy Field, the second such station in the United States.
Reducing Water Use in the Park	Over the last few years San Francisco has had well below average rainfall. Last rain season, we’ve had a total of 8.92 inches of rain. Our normal rain fall is 23.65 inches annually.
As Seen At: Get a Free Ride to your National Park on the PresidiGo Shuttle	Did you know our free PresidioGo Shuttle operates seven days a week and gets riders to and from downtown San Francisco, and all around the park?

Activator Council Celebrates Community at Presidio Tunnel Tops	The Presidio is at the heart of the most visited national park in the county, the Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA).
Watch the Live Webcam of the Raptor’s Nest in the Presidio	The Presidio’s resident Red-tailed Hawk pair have been hard at work preparing their nest 100 feet up in one of the Presidio’s blue gum eucalyptus trees for their expanding family.
Native Ringlet Butterflies Reintroduced to the Presidio	Park ecologists and butterfly experts have started working together to re-introduce the native Ringlet butterfly to the Presidio.
Baby Western Pond Turtle Discovered at Mountain Lake	In 2015, after the Presidio’s Remediation team made massive cleanup efforts at Mountain Lake, the Natural Resources team reintroduced native Western pond turtles (Emys marmorata) to the park.