Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge

Seeking Shelter under Mama
In the heart of California's high-tech industry lies a wildlife oasis in an urban sea with 30,000 acres of habitat for millions of migratory birds and endangered species. American Avocet is one of the species benefiting from Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Each Spring in the Refuge, visitors can find a few freshly hatched American Avocet chicks foraging in the wetlands with their parents. American Avocet chicks leave the nest within 24 hours of hatching. Day-old avocets can walk, swim and even dive to escape predators. Still, from time to time, a baby Avocet will seek mama's belly for warmth and shelter.