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Presidio of San FranciscoCrissy Field Center across the marsh
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Presidio of San Francisco
Sanderling
(Calidris alba)
 
Sanderling
Will Elder, NPS
Sanderlings tussle for food on the beach at Crissy Field.
 

Natural History: The Sanderling forages at sand beach wash zones by following the waves and probing for small invertebrates. It nests in areas of the tundra. It is a winter resident from August through May. It is potentially territorial.

General Distribution: In the Presidio, this species can be found in tidal areas.

Frequency: This species is common all seasons except summer when it breeds in the arctic.

Identifying Characteristics: The Sanderling appears as a small, pale sandpiper with a flashing white wing-stripe. It displays a snowy white below, gray above, and is dark shouldered. It is often seen chasing waves.

Presidio Birds main page

Albert Sidney Johnston  

Did You Know?
Colonel Albert Sidney Johnston, commander of the Pacific branch of the army, prepared the defenses of the San Francisco Bay and ordered the first garrison of Fort Point. Kentucky-born Johnston then resigned his commission to join the Confederate Army; he was killed at the battle of Shiloh in 1862.

Last Updated: November 16, 2007 at 17:22 EST