• 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 »

Willet

(Catoptrophorus semipalmatus)
 
Willet
A Willet searches for food in the marsh at Crissy Field.
Will Elder, NPS
 

Natural History: The Willet forages by pecking and probing for invertebrates. It roosts at high tide or in upper wetland areas. This territorial bird uses grass-lined hollow nests created in emergent wetlands near open water. It breeds from April to September. The Willet is a monogamous animal and semicolonial breeders.

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

Frequency: This species is abundant during the spring, winter, and fall seasons.

Identifying Characteristics: The Willet has a gray color and can be identified by its stocky bill. Its legs are a dark color. It displays flashy wing patterns in flight.

Presidio Birds main page

Did You Know?

Bee collecting pollen

Over 60 species of bees can be found in the Presidio. This very diverse population results from ample nesting habitats in the
Presidio’s soft, sandy soils, as well as a large variety of coastal scrub plants to provide nectar and pollen.