The San Francisco Bay Area is the biggest estuary on the West Coast, making it the perfect retreat for a variety of songbirds, raptors, waterfowl, and shorebirds. Over 250 different species of migratory birds stop here to escape the chilly temperatures of Alaska and Canada, search for food, or to use as resting ground between their long journeys across the continent. California is a fundamental stop along the Pacific Flyway, a route for bird migration that stretches from Alaska to South America. Several species of birds stop in the Bay Area’s wetlands and forests every fall.
Golden-crowned sparrow
The golden-crowned sparrow migrates south from the coniferous forests of Alaska and western Canada. It spends the winter scampering around in shrubs and undergrowth along California’s coast and the Bay Area. In fact, this songbird spends the most time in California during the winter than any other species that migrates here.
Whimbrel
If you visit the California coast during late November or early December, look for the whimbrel. This shorebird is greyish brown, with a long curved bill and a white back. Their unique beaks allow them to dig for food in the sand. Whimbrels can fly 2,500 miles without stopping when they migrate south from northern Canada and Alaska.
Varied thrush
The varied thrush thrives in deciduous and coniferous forests during the fall and winter season. This songbird has an orange breast, and black and gray strips along its wings. It is similar in size and shape to the American Robin, and also has similar behavior patterns.