Bird Island (San Mateo County, California) facts for kids
USGS aerial imagery of Bird Island
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 Bird Island
Location in San Francisco Bay Area
Bird Island
Location in California
Bird Island
Location in the United States
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| Geography | |
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| Location | Northern California |
| Coordinates | 37°33′04″N 122°14′13″W / 37.55111°N 122.23694°W |
| Adjacent bodies of water | San Francisco Bay |
| Highest elevation | 7 ft (2.1 m) |
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United States
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| State |  California |
| County | San Mateo |
Bird Island is a small, special island located in the beautiful San Francisco Bay. It's found in San Mateo County, California. This island is quite tiny, and its highest point is only about 7 feet (around 2 meters) above the water! Its name gives a big clue about why it's important: it's a home and resting spot for many different kinds of birds.
Contents
Where is Bird Island Located?
Bird Island is situated in the southern part of San Francisco Bay. This bay is a large, shallow inlet of the Pacific Ocean in Northern California. The island's exact location is at coordinates 37°33′04″N 122°14′13″W / 37.55111°N 122.23694°W. It's part of San Mateo County, which is just south of the city of San Francisco.
What is the San Francisco Bay?
The San Francisco Bay is a very important natural harbor. It is surrounded by many cities, including San Francisco and Oakland. The bay is a mix of fresh water from rivers and salt water from the ocean. This creates a unique environment for many plants and animals. It's also a busy place for ships and boats.
Why is it Called Bird Island?
As its name suggests, Bird Island is a vital place for birds. Many islands in bays and oceans become important habitats. They offer a safe place for birds to rest, nest, and raise their young. This is because islands are often free from predators that live on the mainland.
What Kinds of Birds Live There?
While specific bird types for Bird Island aren't listed, islands like this in San Francisco Bay often host various species. You might find:
- Waterfowl: Such as ducks and geese.
- Shorebirds: Like sandpipers and plovers.
- Seabirds: Including gulls and terns.
- Wading birds: Such as herons and egrets, looking for food in the shallow waters.
These birds use the island for different reasons. Some might stop there during their long migrations. Others might live there all year round.
How is Bird Island Measured?
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) keeps track of important geographical features like Bird Island. In 1998, the USGS recorded the island's elevation as 7 feet.
What is the USGS?
The USGS is a science agency of the United States government. They study the landscape, natural resources, and natural hazards. They collect data on things like:
- Earthquakes
- Water resources
- Maps and geography
- Ecosystems
Their work helps us understand our planet better. It also helps us manage our natural resources.
Images for kids
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Bird Island in a 2015 aerial photo
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