Favorite locations to meet birds in the San Diego area.
For me, Iron Mountain is a daily experience. From my property it sits prominently in view when I gaze east from my home. At 2,601 feet elevation, it is not the highest peak in the county. Nearby Mount Woodson, at 2,881 feet stands taller. Yet from the perspective of the valley floor in Poway, it … Read more
There are three sections to this state park: the bluffs, the slough or lagoon, and the extension. When most folks think of Torrey Pines State Park, it is the bluffs high above the beaches that come to mind. This because it is here that the famous trees abound. These trees grow only in this region … Read more
Because habitats in San Diego County include the coast, the valleys, the coastal slopes, the mountains and the desert, its biodiversity exceeds most places in North America and the rest of the world. Some of San Diego County’s higher elevations can render some surprising bird encounters. Agua Dulce Creek is a location that has provided … Read more
Between June and December in 2008, I visited Goodan Ranch eleven times. I’ve not been back since. I’m not sure why. Perhaps I overdid it that year. For the time being it’s still an oasis of wildness surrounded by profiteers lusting for the chance to scrape clean the hillsides of the chaparral and the valleys … Read more
Lake Hodges is inland on the San Dieguito River between Rancho Bernardo and Del Dios on the outskirts of Escondido. I like the trails from the Rancho Bernardo side of the lake because there is a variety of habitats available for exploring. Pomerado Road crosses Interstate 15 and becomes West Bernardo Drive near the upper … Read more
There is a broad grassy valley running west from the Ramona Airport through Highland Valley. The County of San Diego has seen fit to make a preserve of the land to protect threatened species such as Burrowing Owls and the Stephens’ Kangaroo Rat. Much of the preserve is out-of-bounds for public access. But near the … Read more
There are 673 bird species recorded in California, and 522 of them have been found in San Diego County. The reason for this diversity of species is the diversity of habitat. Counted among the habitat choices from west to east are; pelagic, coastal sage-scrub, coastal wetlands, riparian valleys, grasslands, sage and chaparral of west facing … Read more
In a deep, narrow valley west of Ramona California, is Dos Picos County Park. This is a nice little park with a little bit of everything for its visitors. Most of the facility is geared for camping, and on weekends, especially in the evening it can get pretty boisterous. I like to time my visits … Read more
Anza-Borrego State Park has long been a favorite destination of mine. Even before my passion for bird photography, this desert’s beauty drew me to it. Not everyone “gets” the desert. Some see only dry desolation, devoid of life. But a closer look will show that life abounds here. If spring rains deliver sufficient water, an … Read more
Tucked away within an urban setting in the small town of Lakeside (California) is a large pond called Lindo Lake. The lake is divided by a roadbed, giving the impression of two lakes. During dry months the upper section sometimes turns into a mudflat, but the lower section stays wet year-round. Surrounding the water are … Read more
