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Presidio of San Francisco Fog over Crissy Field
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Presidio of San Francisco
Forster's Tern
(Sterna forsteri)
 
Forster,s terns
Will Elder, NPS
Forster's Terns at the old Coast Guard pier near Crissy Field.
 

Natural History: The Forster's Tern eats small fish, insects, aquatic invertebrates and frogs. This bird nests near water on the ground in depressions lined with grass, soil or shells. It frequents freshwater and saltwater marshes as well as ponds and lakes.

General Distribution: In the Presidio, this species is found along the coast, particularly off Crissy Field where it displays breeding behavior in the spring.

Frequency: This bird is common throughout the year at the Presidio.

Identifying Characteristics: This moderately-small tern has a orange beak tipped in black. It has a black cap and nape.

Presidio Birds main page

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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 19:20 MST