New dynamic report updates 2011 version, presents recommended conservation actions, success stories
The San Francisco Bay Joint Venture and Point Blue Conservation Science have launched a new website called San Francisco Bay State of the Birds. This website presents bird monitoring results, recommended actions, and success stories from around the San Francisco Bay.
“This new website will allow restoration practitioners, public agencies, scientists, policymakers, and others to access up-to-date information to help them respond effectively to the pressing and rapidly evolving challenges facing our baylands,” said Jemma Williams, SF Bay State of the Birds co-lead and Conservation Coordinator at the San Francisco Bay Joint Venture. “By sharing this information online, instead of in a once-in-a-decade report, we can provide more frequent updates of population trends and recommended actions to support native and migratory birds.”
Birds can serve as useful indicators of ecosystem health. Because birds tend to be sensitive to habitat changes and respond quickly to these changes, their population trends can alert us to problems, reveal how well our ecosystems are functioning overall, and help us understand the degree to which conservation and restoration efforts are effective.
The SF Bay State of the Birds focuses on a set of key bird species, called indicator species, in each of four habitats: tidal marshes, tidal flats, subtidal zones, and non-tidal wetlands and waters. Long-term bird population trends in these four habitat types can serve as indicators of the overall health of these habitats.
The San Francisco Estuary Partnership has also just released a new website, State of Our Estuary, which covers measures of estuary health across multiple indicators, like freshwater flows, beneficial flooding, fish, birds, and more. Their bird-related indicators are informed by the SF Bay State of the Birds data for their species-specific indicators, whereas the bird indicators on this website are organized by specific habitat types.
How Are Bay Birds Doing?
The latest research paints a complex picture of habitat health in the San Francisco Bay, with many indicator species doing well, but others decreasing in numbers over time. For example, populations of three indicator species found predominantly in tidal marshes (Song Sparrows, Common Yellowthroats, and Black Rails) are doing well. Wintering dabbling ducks (such as Mallards and American Wigeons), found largely in non-tidal wetlands and waters, are increasing overall throughout the Bay. These population trends suggest these habitats are likely providing high-quality bird habitat.
In contrast, diving ducks (such as Surf Scoters and Common Goldeneyes) using the open waters of the North Bay and Central Bay have declined. Shorebirds (like sandpipers and curlews), which use tidal flats and other shallow water habitats, have decreased baywide, signaling the need for targeted actions to increase the availability and health of these habitats so they are not a weak link for these migratory species.
“Tracking populations of these indicator birds over time provides valuable data for assessing the state of the bay’s natural landscapes,” said Julian Wood, the San Francisco Bay Program Leader at Point Blue Conservation Science, who helped lead the SF Bay State of the Birds. “We hope this website helps people understand what’s happening with our bird community and promotes even more appreciation and care for birds and their habitats.”
Many birds that migrate through the San Francisco Bay face challenges elsewhere along their routes as part of their lifecycle. Investing in healthy bird habitats here in the Bay Area is critical to ensure our region gives these bird populations their best possible chance to thrive while they are here.
Focused Actions Yield Measurable Results
The past two decades of habitat restoration efforts have yielded remarkable results. For example, the Hamilton Wetlands Restoration Project has transformed a former army airfield into an avian oasis supporting 100 different bird species, including the endangered Ridgway’s Rail and the threatened Western Snowy Plover. The 650-acre site includes a 2.5-mile stretch of the Bay Trail, providing access to outdoor recreation. The SF Bay State of the Birds website also features success stories at the South Bay Salt Pond and Sears Point to the Sonoma Baylands.
Since 2017, more than 7,800 acres have been restored with funding from Measure AA, a dedicated funding source for San Francisco Bay habitat restoration approved by Bay Area voters in 2016. This progress demonstrates what is possible when science, collaboration, and public support unite for the stewardship of the bay. Ongoing funding for monitoring and science is crucial for measuring success and refining conservation efforts as needed.
SF Bay State of the Birds identifies more than 30 specific actions that restoration practitioners, public agencies, scientists, policymakers, and others can take to improve ecosystem health, decrease threats to bird populations, and increase our understanding of species’ needs. Actions range from constructing new island nesting habitat, to conducting long-term monitoring and data collection, to promoting public-private partnerships to enhance everyone’s efforts.
Healthy Habitats, Healthy Communities
In addition to being vital for hundreds of bird species that breed, over-winter, or migrate through the Bay Area, healthy natural habitats around the bay benefit people and communities in many ways, including by filtering pollutants out of drinking water, reducing flood risk, buffering shorelines against storm surges, and providing access to outdoor recreation.
“A healthy ecosystem is the backbone of a healthy community,” Williams added.
Thank you to the California State Coastal Conservancy for providing funding for this project. To learn more about the San Francisco Bay State of the Birds, go to sfbaystateofthebirds.org.
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San Francisco Bay Joint Venture is a collaboration of nonprofit, public, and private partners across nine Bay Area counties because restoring our ecosystems requires us to work together. By creating ongoing opportunities to collaborate and innovate, we ensure that our region’s crucial habitats are able to support birds, other wildlife, and people who depend on them.
Point Blue Conservation Science is a nonprofit organization celebrating 60 years of advancing the conservation of birds, other wildlife, and ecosystems through science, partnerships, and outreach. With over 160 conservation professionals, Point Blue develops nature-based solutions to address climate change, habitat loss, and other environmental threats, benefiting both wildlife and people. Visit Point Blue at www.pointblue.org.
