Waterbird Censuses at Bolinas Lagoon
Marin County, California

Waterbird flock over Bolinas Lagoon

Background:
Census results confirm that with the accelerated sedimentation in the lagoon, numbers of many bird species that depend on subtidal habitat have declined on the lagoon since 1971. Some species of shorebird have increased, particularly Long-billed Curlews, Marbled Godwits, and American Avocets.

Objectives:
To monitor winter waterbird numbers on Bolinas Lagoon, providing a historical perspective on the lagoon's avian community and a benchmark with which to compare waterbird numbers after a proposed restoration of the lagoon's habitat.

Focal Species:
Shorebirds, Waterfowl, Gulls and Terns, Coots, Herons and Egrets, Grebes, Pelicans Cormorants, Loons, Kingfishers

Habitat Type:
Seasonal estuary

Partners:
County of Marin

Contact: Lynne Stenzel