Crissy Field Marsh & Presidio Tunnel Tops: https://ebird.org/checklist/S154992398
Date: Nov. 22, 2023
Location:
Crissy Field Marsh & Presidio Tunnel Tops (37°48’10″N 122°27’21″W) Elevation = 30 ft & Sea Level
Site Description:
Presidio Tunnel Tops is a national urban park space. The area is a mix of habitats, ranging from open grasslands to wooded areas. The Presidio Tunnel Tops is within walking distance of the waterfront at Crissy Field. The Crissy Field Marsh is located in the Presidio with a mix of habitats including salt marsh, mudflats, and coastal scrub. This marshland is along the SF bay and provides a variety of bird species such as Great Egrets, American Robins, California Towhees, etc.
Species Account:
Double-crested Cormorant (Nannopeterum auritum)
The Double-crested Cormorant is a large waterbird with a distinctive appearance with a black body a long, slender neck, and a yellow-orange patch on their face and throat. The wings are broad, and the bill is hooked at the tip. Juveniles are browner overall and lack the vivid facial patch. They are typically found in coastal areas, lakes, rivers, and other bodies of water. They’re usually perched on rocks, logs, or structures near the edge of water. When they are foraging, they can be seen swimming low in water or diving for fish. They primarily feed on fish, and usually nest on cliffs and trees. Double-crested Cormorants are present in many regions year-round, but their distribution can vary seasonally. Breeding typically occurs in the spring and summer. These cormorants are monogamous during the breeding season. They build platform nests using sticks and other materials, often in colonies with other cormorant pairs.
Narrative:
I took my luggage named Paavani for birding during Thanksgiving break in the Presidio Tunnel Tops and ended up walking to the Crissy Field Marsh. We saw so many Western Gulls and European Starlings, that Paavani and I fainted counting and keeping track of. After birding for two hours, Paavani and I saw a bunch of food trucks standing and helped ourselves to food. There were so many cute friendly little birds that Paavani had a blast feeding my meal to.
Sources:
Sibley, D. A. (2003). The Sibley Field Guide to Birds of Eastern North America.
eBird. https://ebird.org/species/doccor