Local bird enthusiasts gathered on November 23 for the inaugural YBI Winter Birding Walk on Yerba Buena Island. The event was organized by TIDA, San Francisco Environment, the Golden Gate Bird Alliance, and the California Native Plant Society-Yerba Buena Chapter. Ecologists from Habitat Potential, a business focused on ecological services and natural areas restoration, led the walk.
Participants faced heavy rain as they explored western Yerba Buena Island, visiting sites like the West Stormwater Garden and Clipper Cove Beach. Guides provided insights into bird habitats and helped identify various species seen during winter.
The walk also offered information about native plants on the island that support local bird populations. Species observed included red-shouldered hawks, great blue herons, cormorants, and flickers.
Despite inclement weather, organizers deemed the event successful. It will now be a regular feature in the TI/YBI Stewardship Program’s public events calendar.
The TI/YBI Stewardship Program aims to restore native biodiversity on Yerba Buena Island and engage with Bay Area residents in ecological stewardship activities.
