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Presidio of San Francisco Crissy Field Center across the marsh
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Presidio of San Francisco
Sanderling
(Calidris alba)
 
Sanderling
Will Elder, NPS
Sanderlings tussle for food on the beach at Crissy Field.
 

Natural History: The Sanderling forages at sand beach wash zones by following the waves and probing for small invertebrates. It nests in areas of the tundra. It is a winter resident from August through May. It is potentially territorial.

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

Frequency: This species is common all seasons except summer when it breeds in the arctic.

Identifying Characteristics: The Sanderling appears as a small, pale sandpiper with a flashing white wing-stripe. It displays a snowy white below, gray above, and is dark shouldered. It is often seen chasing waves.

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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.

Last Updated: November 16, 2007 at 17:22 MST