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

    Presidio of San Francisco

    California

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  • 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 »

Surf Scoter

(Melanitta perspicillata)
 
Surf Scoter
A Surf Scoter swims off of Baker Beach.
Will Elder, NPS
 

Natural History: The Surf Scoter feeds primarily on mollusks, but it also eats fish and crustaceans, which are caught by diving. It can be found resting on open waters in flocks. It nests in areas of brush or trees near slow moving water from June to September.

General Distribution: In the Presidio, this species can be found in bays and the ocean.

Frequency: This animal is commonly seen in fall and spring and is abundant during the winter.

Identifying Characteristics: The males of this species are black with white on the head or nape. The females are a dusky brown with light spots on the sides of its head.

Presidio Birds main page

Did You Know?

Ferdinand Foch, Marshal of France

French Marshal Ferdinand Foch, supreme commander of the allied forces during World War I, visited Crissy Field in 1921 and declared it "The last word in airfields."