Lunch and Learn Science: Spin Cycle: Decoding population dynamics of phalaropes and other waterbirds

Scientist Nathan Van Schmidt of the San Francisco Bay Bird Observatory (SFBBO) talks about his research on the challenges facing waterbirds of the Pacific Flyway within the Restoration Project. At this March 11, 2025 Lunch and Learn presentation, he digs into over two decades of monitoring data on ten foraging guilds including shorebirds, ducks, gulls, terns, fisheaters, and more for areas within Restoration Project boundaries and at nearby remaining commercial salt-production ponds. Over a million waterbirds utilize San Francisco Bay for migratory stopover or over-wintering habitat each year, including many species which have already lost substantial habitat elsewhere within the Western United States. Their habitat needs complicate efforts to restore tidal marsh throughout the Bay Area, and a careful design of a balanced mosaic of habitats may be necessary to ensure the diverse species' persistence.

• Event Page – link to presentation slides, background on event