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 >>

Then + Now: Fort Winfield Scott’s History and a Vision for its Future	Fort Winfield Scott, named for the most prominent U.S. Army officer of the 19th century, was built a century ago on a perch above the Golden Gate.
Presidio's Greatest Lists: Five Ways to Explore Art in the Presidio	In honor of our new Home Land Security exhibition, we’ve pulled together a list of five great ways to experience art in the Presidio.
NATURE: Discovering the Birds of the Presidio	Did you know 323 bird species use the Presidio?
#PresidioSF: Art in the Presidio	In honor of our latest exhibition curated by FOR-SITE Foundation's Cheryl Haines, Home Land Security, we asked visitors to the Presidio to share their "artful" images of art in the Presidio.
As Seen At: Rob Hill Campground	We asked guests at the Presidio's Rob Hill Campground, "What's the best thing about camping in a park in the middle of a city?"

Presidio Nature - VIDEO: Coyotes in the Presidio	We’re now in the midst of pupping season, which runs from March through September – a time when coyote parents are particularly active around and protective of their den site, and a period when we may close some park trails.
Presidio’s Greatest Lists: Five Ways to Celebrate “Earth Month”!	In honor of Earth Day 2018, we’ve rounded up five great ways to celebrate nature in the park all month long – from volunteering, to counting plants and animals in a “bioblitz”, there are plenty of ways to love your national parks.
Presidio's Greatest Lists: Top Ten Presidio Experiences	Before there was San Francisco, there was the Presidio. First occupied by the Ohlone for thousands of years, the Presidio was claimed as a military post for 148 years.
NATURE: Monarch Butterflies at the Presidio	Western Monarch butterflies have begun their winter migration to Rob Hill Campground, one of 400 known “overwintering” sites in California.