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Presidio of San Francisco Great egret at Crissy marsh
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Presidio of San Francisco
Great Blue Heron
(Ardea herodias)
 
Great Blue Heron
Will Elder, NPS
A Great Blue Heron fishes at Crissy Marsh.
 

Natural History: This bird sustains itself by feeding on small fish and other small vertebrates as well as invertebrates caught by stalking. It is found around both freshwater habitats and brackish marshes. This species usually nests in colonies near water.

General Distribution: In the Presidio, it can be found near freshwater, saltwater bays, and tidal areas, particularly frequenting Crissy Marsh.

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

Presidio Birds main page

Identifying Characteristics: This large heron is gray-blue in color and has a black stripe above its eye and a yellow bill. It is the largest of the herons.

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The Presidio Fire Station

Did You Know?
In the aftermath of a tragic fire that killed four family members of General John Pershing, the army built a fire station at the Presidio. The new Presidio Fire Station was the first on any U.S. Army post to house a permanent fire company with trained firefighters.
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Last Updated: February 23, 2008 at 15:45 MST