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The marbled godwit probes the mud with its bill, searching for food. Note the long, slightly upturned bill, an orange color at the base, dark at the tip. This bird was seen foraging on Linda Mar Beach in Pacifica.
Willet (Catoptrophorus semipalmatus)
This plain looking bird found on local beaches has one
characteristic which immediately identifies it as a willet: the black
and white pattern found on the wings during flight.These birds tend
to stay in contact with eachother during feeding.
Surf Scoter (Melanitta perspicillata)
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This female surf scoter is distinguished by the white patch on the nape (back of the head). Surf scoters spend most of the year on the Pacific Coast, then spends a short breeding season on its ARctic breeding grounds. They are found in the surf, among the waves, as their name suggests. You will see them occasionally dive, in duck-like fashion, catching shellfish. The male surf scoter (below) has a bright orange and red bill, used to attract the attention of females during breeding season. |
Western Grebe (Aechmophorur occidentalis)
This Western Grebe was found dead on the shore at Rockaway Beach. The nearby marsh was probably its habitat. Western Grebes are known for their elaborate mating displays, with hundreds of pairs dancing and posturing to each other. Note the long neck, yellow bill, red eyes and dark plumage on the back that is used in identifying this species.
The Rock Dove is a member of the pigeon family and is commonly seen near buildings. This is an introduced species, which lives easily among humans, scavenging garbage cans and eating whatever people choose to feed them!
Bottlenosed Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus)
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These bottlenosed dolphins were seen from the Pacifica Pier. Dolphins are highly social animals, foraging in groups. Coastal bottlenosed dolphins tend to travel in smaller groups than their offshore counterparts. They are widely distributed and eat a large variety of food. They are easily distinguished from fish by the up and own movement of the tail fin (flukes) and by their need to come to the surface for air. For more on marine mammals, see the Marine Mammals of the Coast.
