North America's bird populations have declined significantly in the past 40 years according to a study released March 19, 2009. Approximately one-third of 800 bird species in the United States are listed under federal law as endangered or threatened, or are dropping in numbers precipitously, because of lost habitat.
Read more:

• S.F. Chronicle article : "The State of Birds in the US"   
• Full report: www.stateofthebirds.org

 Birds found on beaches in Pacifica, California

Click on photo corner to enlarge.

Sanderlings

Sanderlings look similar to the Western Snowy Plover, but have a slightly longer beak and they do not have black plumage on the forehead. Plovers are solitary when foraging, though they may roost together.

more about sanderlings

http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Sanderling/lifehistory

USGS Identification tips

http://www.mbr-pwrc.usgs.gov/infocenter/i2480id.html

                                                      Click on photo corner to enlarge

Marbled Godwit

Marbled Godwit in front of gulls in the swash where San Pedro Creek empties into the Ocean, South end of Pacifica State Beach.

This large sandpiper has a slightly upturned bill. Marbled Godwits are seen on Pacifica beaches in winter. The seagulls in the picture are probably Western Gulls.

more about Marbled Godwits:

http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Marbled_Godwit/id

Click on photo corner to enlagre   

Caspian Terns

Caspian Terns at the south end of Sharp Park Beach. Many migratory birds roost in the south end of Sharp Park Beach. 

Just after this picture was taken an off-leash dog scattered this group of birds.

Share the Beach

Trash which draws ravens, and human disturbance also cause problems for the wildlife on the beach. In addition to keeping dogs leashed here, pick up some trash and walk around the resting birds. Let's share the beach. 

more about Caspian Terns:

http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Caspian_Tern/lifehistory

                                                                                                                            Click on photo corner to enlarge
Whimbrels

A Whimbrel at Sharp Park Beach in winter, when it is frequently present. Similar to the Long-billed Curlew, also found here. Distinguishable from same by bold crown stripes, shorter bill. Each uses its downward curved bill for reaching sand burrowing crabs.

Found on many continents, they will feed on berries and insects in addition to the sand dwelling marine invertebra they hunt.

Some whimbrels migrate non-stop from Southern Cananda all the way to South America, a distance of around 2,500 miles.

more about Whimbrels

http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Whimbrel/id

more about the Long-billed Curlew

http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Long-billed_Curlew/id