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Presidio of San FranciscoDisturbed coastal bluffs area
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Presidio of San Francisco
Black Turnstone
(Arenaria melanocephala)
 
Black Turnstone
USGS Photograph
A Black Turnstone similar to what may be found at the Presidio.
 

Natural History: The Black Turnstone forages along the shore by probing for invertebrates using its bill. It roosts in upland areas during high tide. Nesting in the Alaskan tundra, its migration peaks in August and April.

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

Frequency: This species is common during the fall, winter, and spring seasons.

Identifying Characteristics: The Black Turnstone is a blackish colored shorebird with black legs. It displays a whitish belly.

Presidio Birds main page
Jerry Garica was a founding member of the Grateful Dead.  

Did You Know?
A young Jerry Garcia was stationed at the Presidio during his brief service in the U.S. Army. Over the course of his nine-month career, Garcia went AWOL eight times and received two court-martials.

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Last Updated: February 23, 2008 at 19:10 EST