Bay Area scientists report bird population decline

A joint report from the San Francisco Bay Joint Venture and Point Blue Conservation Science finds many shorebird species in the Bay Area have declined over the past two decades, with some species showing declines of about 25% to 86% since 2006.

Scientists and volunteers have been monitoring birds across the San Francisco Bay Area to assess their numbers and health. A new report by the San Francisco Bay Joint Venture and Point Blue Conservation Science reviews nearly two decades of data and finds notable declines for many shorebird species. The study involved monitoring about 20 species in five habitat groups and included more than 100 volunteers. Key findings: - The report documents declines in several shorebird species across the Bay Area over the last two decades, with declines reported in the range of roughly 25% to 86% for some species since 2006. - Monitoring for the review covered about 20 species across five habitat groups and relied on over 100 volunteers and field surveys by scientists. - The report also highlights areas where restoration work, such as at MLK marsh, appears linked to stable or increasing numbers for some species, showing localized positive outcomes. Summary: The report presents both widespread declines in many shorebird species and examples of recovery tied to habitat restoration; authors described concerns about reproduction and survival as possible contributing factors. Specific next procedural steps were not reported. Undetermined at this time.