San Francisco Bay Bird Observatory

Programs: Our science program is comprised of the snowy plover program, waterbird program and landbird programs. The snowy plover recovery program works toward the recovery of the federally threatened western snowy plover. Biologists monitor snowy plover populations by surveying salt ponds of the san francisco bay where the birds breed. Program biologists work closely with local land managers and restoration projects to implement management practices to help increase the snowy plover population in the bay. The waterbird monitoring program collects crucial data on the population ecology of san francisco bay area waterbirds. Program biologists, along with approximately 70 volunteers, monitor waterbird colonies, collect data on waterbird distribution, and document disease outbreaks. These data are especially effective in tracking trends in our local bird populations and helping to guide wetland restoration in the bay area. At our research station, the coyote creek field station, our landbird program uses the science of bird banding to track avian response to climate change, and document long-term demographic trends that are imperative to conserving and restoring riparian habitats. Our landbird program biologists are also working with local companies to document bird biodiversity and to determine how urban development may impact ecological communities.

the habitats program is a science-based restoration program focused on sustainable restoration of tidal marsh-upland transition zone habitats. In 2016, we built 10 additional acres of upland habitat. Habitat restoration benefits endangered tidal marsh birds and mammals that rely on these habitats as high-tide refugia. Ecologists use science to find innovative solutions for restoration, and work with land managers to integrate tidal marsh-upland transition zone methods into larger restoration projects.

our outreach program connects people with our mission to achieve a greater understanding of avian conservation and science in their community. We also participate in region-wide efforts to compile long-term datasets to guide restoration and conservation planning efforts, and conduct monitoring projects to assess the effect of prescribed burns on grassland bird communities. We also lead outreach events (sometimes in collaboration with other organizations) in the field, at environmental fairs, at libraries, at the coyote creek field station, and by invitation to teach children and adults about the scientific method and local wildlife.