• East view from Crissy Field overlook with old Coast Guard station on left and city on right

    Presidio of San Francisco

    California

There are park alerts in effect.
show Alerts »

  • CAUTION: Post Storm Damage to Coastal Trail

    The Presidio Coastal Trail segment just north of the Pacific Overlook and adjacent to Lincoln Blvd remains CLOSED indefinitely. We have posted signage to alert bicyclists and hikers and with information for safe trail alternatives. More »

Mew Gull

(Larus canus)
 
Mew Gull
Mew Gulls take a break at Crissy marsh.
Will Elder, NPS
 

Natural History: The Mew Gull finds its food by diving or foraging on water. It rests on mudflats, beaches, and calm water. It is also found on turbulent, coastal waters. This species breeds in Alaska and Canada.

General Distribution: In the Presidio, this species can be found in the ocean, bays, ponds, tidal sand and rock areas, and around piers and pilings.

Frequency: This species is considered common in the spring and fall and abundant during the winter.

Identifying Characteristics: This gull can be distinguished by its medium-gray mantle and back. It has a short rather slender, unmarked, greenish-yellow colored bill and a darker back than related species.

Presidio Birds main page

Did You Know?

The San Francisco National Cemetery at the Presidio

The National Cemeteries Act was based on the principles articulated by President Lincoln in his Gettysburg Address--"that these dead shall not have died in vain."  Passed by Congress in 1863, the law established thirteen cemeteries to inter veterans of the Armed Forces and their families.