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 >>

PlaceMakers: Lara Hitchcock talks Recreation and Wellness in the Presidio	Lara Hitchcock, who has worked for the Presidio Community YMCA for 16 years, shares her thoughts on the Presidio's ongoing evolution, and health and wellness for all.
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?
Then and Now: Historic Gorgas Rail Warehouse Complex	We’re currently renovating four buildings of the Historic Gorgas Warehouse for commercial occupancy a full century after three of them were originally built.
PlaceMakers: Jean S. Fraser, the Presidio Trust's New Chief	This month we’re delighted to welcome a new face to the park - Jean S. Fraser is joining the Presidio Trust as the agency’s new Chief Executive Officer.
Presidio Kids: A Treasure Hunt along the Presidio Trails	June is “Get Outdoors Month,” and we’ve got a fun new way to explore the outdoors right here in the Presidio – geocaching!

Las listas más grandes de El Presidio: Las diez mejores experiencias de Presidio	Para ayudarlo a comenzar, hemos recopilado diez aventuras gratuitas para introducirte todo lo que El Presidio tiene para ofrecer.
Presidio's Greatest Lists: Top Ten Free Presidio Experiences	To help you get started, we've curated ten free adventures that will introduce you to all the Presidio has to offer.
Trending: The Presidio’s Coyotes When People Aren’t Around	We’re now in the midst of coyote pupping season in the Presidio, which typically runs from March through September – a time when coyote parents are particularly active around and protective of their den site.
Presidio's Greatest Lists: Five Ways to "Go Green" at Presidio Picnic	Each week, around 7,000 people hit the Presidio’s Main Parade Ground for one of the City’s tastiest and most fun Sunday activities – Presidio Picnic.