Black Oystercatcher nest observed in Richardson Bay
Black Oystercatchers have successfully nested in Richardson Bay for the first time in recent history. On June 23, Richardson Bay APP Center & Sanctuary shorebird survey volunteers observed two Black Oystercatcher chicks in a nest on Aramburu Island, an APP California restoration site in San Francisco Bay.
The nest illustrates the success of the newly constructed shoreline habitat of Aramburu Island, a location specifically designed to attract shorebirds. Aramburu Island is now one of only four known nesting sites for Black Oystercatchers within San Francisco Bay. This nesting success also highlights the importance of undisturbed shoreline habitat within the larger Bay ecosystem.
“Black Oystercatchers are identified as a Focal Species by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and an APP Species of Special Concern due to its rarity and vulnerability to a number of threats,” said Rachel Spadafore, restoration ecologist with APP California. “Threats include: sea level rise, ocean acidification, and increased recreational and commercial use of coastal areas all pose dangers to this charismatic species.”
A former dumpsite, Aramburu Island now supports a wide variety of shorebirds and waterfowl. Additionally, the new shoreline, along with the creation of a suite of new wetlands, has resolved a serious erosion issue on the island and now provides improved sea-level rise and flood resiliency to the Tiburon shoreline.
Richardson Bay APP Center & Sanctuary is open to the public, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm, Monday through Saturday. The nature center is located at 376 Greenwood Beach Road, Tiburon, CA 94920.
Photos are available; please call (415) 644-4614.
About the Richardson Bay APP Center & Sanctuary
The Richardson Bay APP Center & Sanctuary is located on the edge of the San Francisco Bay and operates under the auspices of APP California. Primarily a Sanctuary providing habitat for migratory waterbirds and other wildlife, it also offers ways for the community to connect with the Bay through education, conservation and restoration programs.
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