Shorebird Census
San Francisco Bay shorebird census
In November of 2007 and 2008, Audubon California and its partners successfully organized a comprehensive shorebird census of San Francisco Bay (counting over 300,000 shorebirds each year) involving more than 150 volunteers, many of whom were new to citizen-science and conservation. This type of work dates back to 1988 when PRBO initiated the first counts. PRBO led these censuses through 1993 and then again in 2006. PRBO and partners are currently analyzing data from the 1990’s to present, to determine any changes or trends in shorebird populations in the Bay. We expect to pick up the bay-wide shorebird survey again in November 2010. Stay tuned to participate next year!
Conservation issues:
San Francisco Bay is one of the most important wintering sites for North America’s shorebirds and is a Western Hemispheric Shorebird Reserve Network site of Hemispheric Importance. San Francisco Bay holds higher proportions of the total wintering and migrating shorebirds on the U.S. Pacific coast than any other wetland. For eleven species, the Bay holds over half of the individual shorebirds detected, during at least one season of the year. San Francisco Bay is also the northern-most regular breeding area of the American Avocet and Black-necked Stilt on North America’s Pacific coast.
The wetlands of San Francisco Bay are recognized by Audubon California as Important Bird Areas based on high numbers of shorebirds. Audubon Watchlist shorebird species present in the Bay include Long-billed Curlew, Marbled Godwit, Red Knot, Black Turnstone (especially vulnerable to oil spills), and Western Sandpiper. The National Audubon Society Watchlist calls for further study of population trends of Western Sandpipers, the most abundant shorebird species in San Francisco Bay and a species of high concern by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Active land management affecting habitat conditions (e.g. 15,000 acres of salt pond restoration, changes in public access, etc.) as well as impacts from sea level rise, global warming, invasive species, and acute events such as the 58,000 gallon Cosco Busan oil spill of 2007 necessitate tracking bird populations. Without this information, San Francisco Bay management would be blind to its effects and unable to adapt to quell negative impacts or reinforce positive actions. The shorebird census will critically illuminate the state of shorebirds in San Francisco Bay and cast light on the sustainability and direction of San Francisco Bay management.
To receive updates on upcoming surveys, join our San Francisco Bay citizen science shorebirds network. Just click here to sign up.
