Ducks in Flight from the San Francisco Bay

The San Francisco Bay and the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta have always been vital areas for waterfowl. Historically, the delta was one of the most important waterfowl areas in California. This once expansive, permanently flooded wetland provided year-round waterfowl habitat. Now, agricultural ands have mostly reclaimed the delta.

The San Francisco Bay has lost more than 80 percent of its historic wetlands. Waterfowl, primarily diving ducks, still winter in large numbers throughout the bay. In most years, the bay winters the majority of Pacific Flyway canvasbacks, scaup, surf scoters and buffleheads. However, overall waterfowl use is much reduced from historic highs.

Ducks Unlimited's conservation projects in the Bay-Delta Region focus on reclaiming historic shoreline wetlands and improving habitat management capabilities within both private and public waterfowl areas.