
I almost hesitate to include the Saltworks in my “Birding Destinations” series because the best this site has to offer the nature lover is not within the public view. While there are a few places where perimeter views are possible, the real magic is beyond the view of the general public. To ignore mention of this important location would be a disservice to anyone interested in bird-life in the San Diego area.
I’ve been privileged to accompany biologists through the reserve during their surveys of nesting terns. Without question, these tours have been some of my best memories of bird encounters in San Diego. So with apologies to all for sharing a “destination” outside of easy access, below are some samples of what goes on in the nesting sites. But take heart, when these birds disburse, there are ample opportunities to meet them in the surrounding areas.
I’ve written in the past many times of my visits to this place. Some of those stories can be read by following these links:
- 2015-07-08-saltworks/
- 2013-07-24-saltworks-imperial-beach/
- 2017-05-17-nesting-season-at-the-south-bay-saltworks/
- 2015-08-05-saltworks/
- 2015-08-19-saltworks-and-shorebirds/
- 2017-05-15-south-san-diego-bay/
The large gallery below shows a few of the meeting I’ve enjoyed from this location.

Biologists at Work(n/a) |
Description: Looking north from the Imperial Beach boundary on Tern survey day at the Saltworks, part of the San Diego National Wildlife Complex. |
Date Taken: 2015:07:08 10:39 |
Location:
Saltworks |
Camera Information: NIKON D2X, 15 mm, f/4.0, 1/4000 |
File Name: D2X1205-Saltworks-TernSurvey |
© 2015 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |


Stilt Sandpiper(Calidris himantopus) |
Description: Normal migration would have this bird well to the east. This bird was found at the Saltworks. Part of the South San Diego Bay NWR, San Diego, California USA |
Date Taken: 2013:07:24 7:38 |
Location:
Saltworks |
Camera Information: NIKON D3X, 800 mm, f/5.6, 1/2500 |
File Name: D3X0664-StiltSandPiper |
© 2013 Jack Daynes, shadeTree-Imaging.com |


Wilson's Phalarope(Phalaropus tricolor) |
Description: Feeding on brine flies at the Saltworks. Part of the South San Diego Bay NWR, San Diego, California. |
Date Taken: 2013:07:24 7:42 |
Location:
Saltworks |
Camera Information: NIKON D3X, 800 mm, f/5.6, 1/2500 |
File Name: D3X0676-WilsonsPhalarope |
© 2013 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |


Black Skimmer(Rynchops niger) |
Description: Chick getting banding at the Saltworks. Part of the South San Diego Bay NWR, San Diego, California. |
Date Taken: 2013:07:24 8:11 |
Location:
Saltworks |
Camera Information: NIKON D3X, 350 mm, f/5.6, 1/1600 |
File Name: D3X0689-BlackSkimmer-Chick |
© 2013 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |


Caspian Tern(Hydroprogne caspia) |
Description: Large chick at the Saltworks. Part of the South San Diego Bay NWR, San Diego, California. |
Date Taken: 2013:07:24 8:26 |
Location:
Saltworks |
Camera Information: NIKON D3X, 400 mm, f/5.6, 1/200 |
File Name: D3X0739-CaspianTern-Chick |
© 2013 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |


Red-Necked Phalarope(Phalaropus lobatus) |
Description: Hunting brine fly larva at the Saltworks. Part of the South San Diego Bay NWR, San Diego, California. |
Date Taken: 2013:07:24 9:50 |
Location:
Saltworks |
Camera Information: NIKON D3X, 800 mm, f/5.6, 1/4000 |
File Name: D3X0919-RedNeckedPhalarope |
© 2013 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |


Western Sandpiper(Calidris mauri) |
Description: Early fall migrant at the Saltworks. Part of the South San Diego Bay NWR, San Diego, California. |
Date Taken: 2013:07:24 9:53 |
Location:
Saltworks |
Camera Information: NIKON D3X, 800 mm, f/5.6, 1/2500 |
File Name: D3X0929-WesternSandpiper |
© 2013 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |


Black Skimmer(Rynchops niger) |
Description: Tern survey day at the Saltworks, part of the San Diego National Wildlife Complex. Near Imperial Beach, California. |
Date Taken: 2015:07:08 11:47 |
Location:
Saltworks |
Camera Information: NIKON D3X, 220 mm, f/14.0, 1/800 |
File Name: D3X2447-BlackSkimmer |
© 2015 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |


Forster's Tern(Sterna forsteri) |
Description: Tern survey day at the Saltworks, part of the San Diego National Wildlife Complex. Near Imperial Beach, California. |
Date Taken: 2015:07:08 11:52 |
Location:
Saltworks |
Camera Information: NIKON D3X, 400 mm, f/13.0, 1/500 |
File Name: D3X2474-ForstersTern |
© 2015 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |


Savannah Sparrow(Passerculus sandwichensis) |
Description: Tern survey day at the Saltworks, part of the San Diego National Wildlife Complex. Near Imperial Beach, California. |
Date Taken: 2015:07:08 12:19 |
Location:
Saltworks |
Camera Information: NIKON D3X, 400 mm, f/9.0, 1/320 |
File Name: D3X2521-SavannahSparrow-Beldings |
© 2015 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |


Red-Necked Phalarope(Phalaropus lobatus) |
Description: A mixed flock of with Wilson's Phalaropes flying in tight formation. Seen during Tern survey day at the Saltworks, part of the San Diego National Wildlife Complex. Near Imperial Beach, California. |
Date Taken: 2015:07:08 12:27 |
Location:
Saltworks |
Camera Information: NIKON D3X, 200 mm, f/11.0, 1/500 |
File Name: D3X2539-RedNeckedPhalarope |
© 2015 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |


Black Skimmer(Rynchops niger) |
Description: Tern survey day at the Saltworks, part of the San Diego National Wildlife Complex. Near Imperial Beach, California. |
Date Taken: 2015:07:08 13:06 |
Location:
Saltworks |
Camera Information: NIKON D3X, 400 mm, f/9.0, 1/800 |
File Name: D3X2644-BlackSkimmer |
© 2015 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |


Gull-Billed Tern(Gelochelidon nilotica) |
Description: Seen bringing Mole Crab prey back to feed chicks during Tern survey day at the Saltworks, part of the San Diego National Wildlife Complex. Near Imperial Beach, California. |
Date Taken: 2015:07:08 13:08 |
Location:
Saltworks |
Camera Information: NIKON D3X, 400 mm, f/11.0, 1/1250 |
File Name: D3X2667-GullBilledTern |
© 2015 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |


Gull-Billed Tern(Gelochelidon nilotica) |
Description: Tern survey day at the Saltworks, part of the San Diego National Wildlife Complex. Near Imperial Beach, California. |
Date Taken: 2015:07:08 13:09 |
Location:
Saltworks |
Camera Information: NIKON D3X, 400 mm, f/10.0, 1/800 |
File Name: D3X2675-GullBilledTern |
© 2015 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |


Snowy Plover(Charadrius alexandrinus) |
Description: "Fuzzball" chick seen on a tern survey day at the Saltworks, part of the San Diego National Wildlife Complex. Near Imperial Beach, California. |
Date Taken: 2015:08:05 10:36 |
Location:
Saltworks |
Camera Information: NIKON D3X, 800 mm, f/5.6, 1/2500 |
File Name: D3X2750-SnowyPlover-Chick |
© 2015 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |


Greater Yellowlegs(Tringa melanoleuca) |
Description: Fall migrants seen on Tern survey day at the Saltworks, part of the San Diego National Wildlife Complex. Near Imperial Beach, California. |
Date Taken: 2015:08:05 10:51 |
Location:
Saltworks |
Camera Information: NIKON D3X, 800 mm, f/5.6, 1/800 |
File Name: D3X2767-GreaterYellowLegs |
© 2015 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |


Elegant Tern(Thalasseus elegans) |
Description: Bringing fish prey to feed hungrey chicks. Tern survey day at the Saltworks, part of the San Diego National Wildlife Complex. Near Imperial Beach, California. |
Date Taken: 2015:08:05 11:09 |
Location:
Saltworks |
Camera Information: NIKON D3X, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/1600 |
File Name: D3X2788-ElegantTern |
© 2015 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |


Osprey(Pandion haliaetus) |
Description: Hunting from the boundary for prey in the bay on Tern survey day at the Saltworks, part of the San Diego National Wildlife Complex. Near Imperial Beach, California. |
Date Taken: 2015:08:05 11:46 |
Location:
Saltworks |
Camera Information: NIKON D3X, 800 mm, f/7.1, 1/1000 |
File Name: D3X2841-Osprey |
© 2015 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |


Long-Billed Curlew(Numenius americanus) |
Description: Foraging on the bay shore mud flats on Tern survey day at the Saltworks, part of the San Diego National Wildlife Complex. Near Imperial Beach, California. |
Date Taken: 2015:08:05 11:51 |
Location:
Saltworks |
Camera Information: NIKON D3X, 800 mm, f/7.1, 1/1250 |
File Name: D3X2850-LongBilledCurlew |
© 2015 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |


Least Sandpiper(Calidris minutilla) |
Description: Juvenile bird seen during a day at the Saltworks, part of the San Diego National Wildlife Complex. Near Imperial Beach, California. |
Date Taken: 2023:10:02 9:14 |
Camera Information: |
File Name: D3X4579-LeastSandPiper-scaled |
© 2015 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |


Red-Necked Phalarope(Phalaropus lobatus) |
Description: Juvenile bird seen during a day at the Saltworks, part of the San Diego National Wildlife Complex. Near Imperial Beach, California. |
Date Taken: 2015:08:19 10:09 |
Location:
Saltworks |
Camera Information: NIKON D3X, 800 mm, f/7.1, 1/1600 |
File Name: D3X4602-RedNeckedPhalarope |
© 2015 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |


Semipalmated Plover(Charadrius semipalmatus) |
Description: Fall migrant we saw during a day at the Saltworks, part of the San Diego National Wildlife Complex. Near Imperial Beach, California. |
Date Taken: 2015:08:19 10:11 |
Location:
Saltworks |
Camera Information: NIKON D3X, 800 mm, f/7.1, 1/1600 |
File Name: D3X4614-SemiPalmatedPlover |
© 2015 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |


Willet(Tringa semipalmata) |
Description: A day at the Saltworks, part of the San Diego National Wildlife Complex. Near Imperial Beach, California. |
Date Taken: 2015:08:19 11:19 |
Location:
Saltworks |
Camera Information: NIKON D3X, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/2500 |
File Name: D3X4733-Willet |
© 2015 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |


Western Sandpiper(Calidris mauri) |
Description: Fall migrant we saw during a day at the Saltworks, part of the San Diego National Wildlife Complex. Near Imperial Beach, California. |
Date Taken: 2015:08:19 11:27 |
Location:
Saltworks |
Camera Information: NIKON D3X, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/1250 |
File Name: D3X4749-WesternSandpiper |
© 2015 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |


Black Turnstone(Arenaria melanocephala) |
Description: Fall migrant we saw during a day at the Saltworks, part of the San Diego National Wildlife Complex. Near Imperial Beach, California. |
Date Taken: 2015:08:19 11:48 |
Location:
Saltworks |
Camera Information: NIKON D3X, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/1600 |
File Name: D3X4891-BlackTurnStone |
© 2015 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |


Western Sandpiper(Calidris mauri) |
Description: Fall migrant we saw during a day at the Saltworks, part of the San Diego National Wildlife Complex. Near Imperial Beach, California. |
Date Taken: 2015:08:19 12:18 |
Location:
Saltworks |
Camera Information: NIKON D3X, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/1250 |
File Name: D3X5109-WesternSandpiper |
© 2015 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |


Gull-Billed Tern(Gelochelidon nilotica) |
Description: Gull-billed Tern nests are monitored very closely at the Saltworks at South San Diego Bay NWR. San Diego County, California. |
Date Taken: 2009:05:27 13:46 |
Location:
Saltworks |
Camera Information: NIKON D2X, 550 mm, f/5.6, 1/1250 |
File Name: JCD0209.GullBilledTern.Egg_ |
© 2009 Jack Daynes, shadeTree Imaging |


Gull-Billed Tern(Gelochelidon nilotica) |
Description: Unless at their nesting sites, group flight of these birds images are uncommon. Saltworks at South San Diego Bay NWR. San Diego County, California. |
Date Taken: 2009:05:27 13:47 |
Location:
Saltworks |
Camera Information: NIKON D2X, 280 mm, f/6.3, 1/1250 |
File Name: JCD0213.GullBilledTern |
© 2009 Jack Daynes, shadeTree Imaging |


Elegant Tern(Thalasseus elegans) |
Description: Some years, tens of thousands of Elegant Terns nest at the Saltworks at South San Diego Bay NWR. San Diego County, California. |
Date Taken: 2009:05:27 14:05 |
Location:
Saltworks |
Camera Information: NIKON D2X, 280 mm, f/9.0, 1/500 |
File Name: JCD0274.ElegantTern |
© 2009 Jack Daynes, shadeTree Imaging |


Western Sandpiper(Calidris mauri) |
Description: Feeding on Brine flies at the Saltworks. Part of the South San Diego Bay NWR, San Diego, California. |
Date Taken: 2011:07:27 9:43 |
Location:
Saltworks |
Camera Information: NIKON D3X, 800 mm, f/5.6, 1/2000 |
File Name: JCD1253-WesternSandPiper |
© 2011 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |


Caspian Tern(Hydroprogne caspia) |
Description: Juvenile at the Saltworks. Part of the South San Diego Bay NWR, San Diego, California. |
Date Taken: 2011:07:27 9:45 |
Location:
Saltworks |
Camera Information: NIKON D3X, 800 mm, f/5.6, 1/3200 |
File Name: JCD1268-CaspianTern-Juvenile |
© 2011 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |


Red-Necked Phalarope(Phalaropus lobatus) |
Description: Fall migrant we saw during a day at the Saltworks, part of the San Diego National Wildlife Complex. Near Imperial Beach, California. |
Date Taken: 2011:07:27 10:15 |
Location:
Saltworks |
Camera Information: NIKON D3X, 800 mm, f/5.6, 1/4000 |
File Name: JCD1331-RedNeckedPhalarope |
© 2011 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |


Wilson's Phalarope(Phalaropus tricolor) |
Description: Feeding on brine flies at the Saltworks. Part of the South San Diego Bay NWR, San Diego, California. |
Date Taken: 2011:07:27 10:21 |
Location:
Saltworks |
Camera Information: NIKON D3X, 800 mm, f/5.6, 1/5000 |
File Name: JCD1365-WilsonsPhalarope |
© 2011 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |


Double-Crested Cormorant(Phalacrocorax auritus) |
Description: Birds at the Saltworks. Part of the South San Diego Bay NWR, San Diego, California. |
Date Taken: 2011:07:27 11:12 |
Location:
Lindo Lake |
Camera Information: NIKON D3X, 800 mm, f/5.6, 1/5000 |
File Name: JCD1430-DoubleCrestedCormorant |
© 2011 Jack Daynes, shadeTree-Imaging.com |


Cliff Swallow(Petrochelidon pyrrhonota) |
Description: Gathering at the crèche bush at the Saltworks. Part of the South San Diego Bay NWR, San Diego, California. |
Date Taken: 2011:07:27 11:41 |
Location:
Saltworks |
Camera Information: NIKON D3X, 800 mm, f/5.6, 1/2000 |
File Name: JCD1516-CliffSwallow |
© 2011 Jack Daynes, shadeTree-Imaging.com |


Black-Bellied Plover(Pluvialis squatarola) |
Description: Fall migrant we saw during a day at the Saltworks, part of the San Diego National Wildlife Complex. Near Imperial Beach, California. |
Date Taken: 2011:07:27 12:55 |
Location:
Saltworks |
Camera Information: NIKON D3X, 800 mm, f/5.6, 1/3200 |
File Name: JCD1744-BlackBelliedPlover |
© 2011 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |


Caspian Tern(Hydroprogne caspia) |
Description: Hungry chick at the Saltworks. Part of the South San Diego Bay NWR, San Diego, California. |
Date Taken: 2011:07:27 13:11 |
Location:
Saltworks |
Camera Information: NIKON D3X, 800 mm, f/5.6, 1/5000 |
File Name: JCD1788-CaspianTern |
© 2011 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |


Elegant Tern(Thalasseus elegans) |
Description: For some reason this image reminds me of an Andrew Wyeth painting. Science in action. Each year, during breeding season, eggs, and nests are counted on a weekly basis. Saltworks at South San Diego Bay NWR. San Diego County, California. |
Date Taken: 2009:05:27 14:07 |
Location:
Saltworks |
Camera Information: NIKON D2X, 24 mm, f/8.0, 1/640 |
File Name: JCD3009.ElegantTern |
© 2009 Jack Daynes, shadeTree Imaging |


Least Tern(Sternula antillarum) |
Description: On the nest, Least Terns spend a lot of time looking for preditors (there are many). Saltworks at South San Diego Bay NWR. San Diego County, California. |
Date Taken: 2009:06:03 12:59 |
Location:
Saltworks |
Camera Information: NIKON D2X, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/1500 |
File Name: JCD3364.LeastTern.Nest_ |
© 2009 Jack Daynes, shadeTree Imaging |


Gull-Billed Tern(Gelochelidon nilotica) |
Description: This chick is only days old at the Saltworks at South San Diego Bay NWR. San Diego County, California. |
Date Taken: 2009:06:03 13:52 |
Location:
Saltworks |
Camera Information: NIKON D2X, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/1500 |
File Name: JCD3450.GullBilledTern.Chick_ |
© 2009 Jack Daynes, shadeTree Imaging |


Gull-Billed Tern(Gelochelidon nilotica) |
Description: Normally, Gull-Billed Terns are solo foragers, and are rarely seen in groups. Photographing multiple Gull-Billed Terns in flight is not common. These birds were nesting in the Saltworks at South San Diego Bay NWR. San Diego County, California. |
Date Taken: 2009:06:03 14:16 |
Location:
Saltworks |
Camera Information: NIKON D2X, 400 mm, f/8.0, 1/6000 |
File Name: JCD3556.GullBilledTern |
© 2009 Jack Daynes, shadeTree Imaging |


Black-Bellied Plover(Pluvialis squatarola) |
Description: Breeding adult fall migrant at the Saltworks at South San Diego Bay NWR. San Diego County, California USA. [2008-10-05] |
Date Taken: 2009:07:29 10:16 |
Location:
Saltworks |
Camera Information: NIKON D2X, 800 mm, f/22.0, 1/160 |
File Name: JCD3900.BlackBelliedPlover |
© 2013 Jack Daynes, shadeTree-Imaging.com |


Elegant Tern(Thalasseus elegans) |
Description: Bringing in the groceries to feed a hungry juvenile at the Saltworks at South San Diego Bay NWR. San Diego County, California. |
Date Taken: 2009:07:29 11:18 |
Location:
Saltworks |
Camera Information: NIKON D2X, 800 mm, f/22.0, 1/250 |
File Name: JCD4269.ElegantTern |
© 2009 Jack Daynes, shadeTree Imaging |


Barn Swallow(Hirundo rustica) |
Description: Juvenile. Saltworks at South San Diego Bay NWR. San Diego County, California. |
Date Taken: 2009:07:29 13:18 |
Location:
Saltworks |
Camera Information: NIKON D2X, 800 mm, f/11.0, 1/320 |
File Name: JCD4516.BarnSwallow.Juvenile |
© 2009 Jack Daynes, www.shadetree-imaging.com |


Savannah Sparrow(Passerculus sandwichensis) |
Description: Juvenile Belding's subspecies at the Saltworks at South San Diego Bay NWR. San Diego County, California. |
Date Taken: 2009:07:29 13:23 |
Location:
Saltworks |
Camera Information: NIKON D2X, 800 mm, f/11.0, 1/640 |
File Name: JCD4521.SavannahSparrow.Beldings |
© 2009 Jack Daynes, shadetree-imaging.com |


Cliff Swallow(Petrochelidon pyrrhonota) |
Description: Juvenile waiting to be fed on the "Crèche-ing" bush at the Saltworks. Saltworks at South San Diego Bay NWR. San Diego County, California. |
Date Taken: 2009:07:29 13:58 |
Location:
Saltworks |
Camera Information: NIKON D2X, 800 mm, f/11.0, 1/640 |
File Name: JCD4578.CliffSwallow.Juvenile |
© 2009 Jack Daynes, www.shadetree-imaging.com |


Cliff Swallow(Petrochelidon pyrrhonota) |
Description: Juvenile getting fed. Saltworks at South San Diego Bay NWR. San Diego County, California. |
Date Taken: 2009:07:29 14:04 |
Location:
Saltworks |
Camera Information: NIKON D2X, 400 mm, f/11.0, 1/640 |
File Name: JCD4607.CliffSwallow.Juvenile |
© 2009 Jack Daynes, www.shadetree-imaging.com |


Long-Billed Curlew(Numenius americanus) |
Description: Saltworks at South San Diego Bay NWR. San Diego County, California USA. |
Date Taken: 2009:07:29 14:17 |
Location:
Saltworks |
Camera Information: NIKON D2X, 800 mm, f/11.0, 1/1250 |
File Name: JCD4627.LongBilledCurlew |
© 2009 Jack Daynes, shadetree-imaging |


Western Sandpiper(Calidris mauri) |
Description: When they take flight en masse, the significant numbers of these birds wintering at the Saltworks at South San Diego Bay NWR is revealed. San Diego County, California USA. |
Date Taken: 2009:08:05 9:03 |
Location:
Saltworks |
Camera Information: NIKON D2X, 800 mm, f/5.6, 1/5000 |
File Name: JCD5205.WesternSandPiper |
© 2009 Jack Daynes, shadetree-imaging.com |


Elegant Tern(Thalasseus elegans) |
Description: Bringing in the groceries. Saltworks at South San Diego Bay NWR. San Diego County, California. |
Date Taken: 2009:08:05 9:32 |
Location:
Saltworks |
Camera Information: NIKON D2X, 800 mm, f/7.1, 1/4000 |
File Name: JCD5373.ElegantTern |
© 2009 Jack Daynes, shadeTree Imaging |


Elegant Tern(Thalasseus elegans) |
Description: Bringing in the groceries. Saltworks at South San Diego Bay NWR. San Diego County, California. |
Date Taken: 2009:08:05 9:49 |
Location:
Saltworks |
Camera Information: NIKON D2X, 800 mm, f/10.0, 1/1250 |
File Name: JCD5527.ElegantTern |
© 2009 Jack Daynes, shadeTree Imaging |


Elegant Tern(Thalasseus elegans) |
Description: Hungry nestlings are waiting at the Saltwoks; part of the San Diego National Wildlife Refuge system. San Diego County California USA 2009-08-05. |
Date Taken: 2009:08:15 12:22 |
Location:
Saltworks |
Camera Information: NIKON D2X, 800 mm, f/10.0, 1/2500 |
File Name: JCD5579.ElegantTern |
© 2009 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |


Elegant Tern(Thalasseus elegans) |
Description: Hungry nestlings are waiting at the Saltwoks; part of the San Diego National Wildlife Refuge system. San Diego County California USA 2009-08-05. |
Date Taken: 2009:08:15 12:38 |
Location:
Saltworks |
Camera Information: NIKON D2X, 800 mm, f/10.0, 1/2500 |
File Name: JCD5590.ElegantTern |
© 2009 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |


Western Sandpiper(Calidris mauri) |
Description: Loafing in large groups during high tide in the Saltworks at South San Diego Bay NWR. San Diego County, California USA 2009-08-05.. |
Date Taken: 2009:08:05 10:55 |
Location:
Saltworks |
Camera Information: NIKON D2X, 800 mm, f/45.0, 1/80 |
File Name: JCD5836.WesternSandPiper |
© 2009 Jack Daynes, shadetree-imaging |


Black-Necked Stilt(Himantopus mexicanus) |
Description: Juvinile bird at the Saltworks at South San Diego Bay NWR. San Diego County, California USA 2009-08-05. |
Date Taken: 2009:08:05 11:03 |
Location:
Saltworks |
Camera Information: NIKON D2X, 800 mm, f/16.0, 1/320 |
File Name: JCD5889.BlackNeckedStilt |
© 2007 Jack Daynes, shadeTree Imaging |


Red-Necked Phalarope(Phalaropus lobatus) |
Description: Juvenile bird at the Saltworks at South San Diego Bay NWR. San Diego County, California USA 2009-08-05. |
Date Taken: 2009:08:05 11:08 |
Location:
Saltworks |
Camera Information: NIKON D2X, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/2500 |
File Name: JCD5926.RedNeckedPhalarope.Juvenile |
© 2009 Jack Daynes, shadetree-imaging |


Western Sandpiper(Calidris mauri) |
Description: Loafing in large groups during high tide in the Saltworks at South San Diego Bay NWR. San Diego County, California USA 2009-08-05. |
Date Taken: 2009:08:05 11:10 |
Location:
Saltworks |
Camera Information: NIKON D2X, 400 mm, f/22.0, 1/320 |
File Name: JCD5934.WesternSandPiper |
© 2009 Jack Daynes, shadetree-imaging |


Long-Billed Curlew(Numenius americanus) |
Description: Foraging along the bay shore at the Saltworks at South San Diego Bay NWR. San Diego County, California USA 2009-08-05. |
Date Taken: 2009:08:05 12:11 |
Location:
Saltworks |
Camera Information: NIKON D2X, 800 mm, f/22.0, 1/200 |
File Name: JCD5973.LongBilledCurlew |
© 2009 Jack Daynes, shadetree-imaging |


Elegant Tern(Thalasseus elegans) |
Description: Saltworks at South San Diego Bay NWR. San Diego County, California. |
Date Taken: 2009:08:05 12:28 |
Location:
Saltworks |
Camera Information: NIKON D2X, 800 mm, f/11.0, 1/1250 |
File Name: JCD6042.ElegantTern |
© 2009 Jack Daynes, shadeTree Imaging |


Least Tern(Sternula antillarum) |
Description: Looking for its hungry chick at the Saltworks at South San Diego Bay NWR. San Diego County, California. |
Date Taken: 2009:05:17 8:32 |
Location:
Saltworks |
Camera Information: NIKON D2X, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/500 |
File Name: JCD8091.LeastTern |
© 2009 Jack Daynes, shadeTree Imaging |


Red Knot(Calidris canutus) |
Description: Spring migrant at the Saltworks at South San Diego Bay NWR. San Diego County, California USA 2009-05-17. |
Date Taken: 2009:05:17 10:07 |
Location:
Saltworks |
Camera Information: NIKON D2X, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/750 |
File Name: JCD8326.RedKnot |
© 2009 Jack Daynes, shadetree-imaging |


Forster's Tern(Sterna forsteri) |
Description: Saltworks at South San Diego Bay NWR. San Diego County, California. |
Date Taken: 2009:05:17 11:53 |
Location:
Saltworks |
Camera Information: NIKON D2X, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/1250 |
File Name: JCD8577.ForstersTern |
© 2009 Jack Daynes, shadeTree Imaging |


Elegant Tern(Thalasseus elegans) |
Description: Images can't fully express the experience of a walk through an Elegant Tern colony. The sights, sounds & smells are unforgettable. Saltworks at South San Diego Bay NWR. San Diego County, California. |
Date Taken: 2009:05:20 10:09 |
Location:
Saltworks |
Camera Information: NIKON D2X, 280 mm, f/6.3, 1/1000 |
File Name: JCD8928.ElegantTern |
© 2009 Jack Daynes, shadeTree Imaging |


Elegant Tern(Thalasseus elegans) |
Description: Images can't fully express the experience of a walk through an Elegant Tern colony. The sights, sounds & smells are unforgettable. Saltworks at South San Diego Bay NWR. San Diego County, California. |
Date Taken: 2009:05:20 10:14 |
Location:
Saltworks |
Camera Information: NIKON D2X, 400 mm, f/6.3, 1/1000 |
File Name: JCD8964.ElegantTern |
© 2009 Jack Daynes, shadeTree Imaging |


Elegant Tern(Thalasseus elegans) |
Description: Images can't fully express the experience of a walk through an Elegant Tern colony. The sights, sounds & smells are unforgettable. Saltworks at South San Diego Bay NWR. San Diego County, California. |
Date Taken: 2009:05:20 10:27 |
Location:
Saltworks |
Camera Information: NIKON D2X, 320 mm, f/6.3, 1/1600 |
File Name: JCD9090.ElegantTern |
© 2009 Jack Daynes, shadeTree Imaging |


American Avocet(Recurvirostra americana) |
Description: Saltworks at South San Diego Bay NWR. San Diego County, California. |
Date Taken: 2011:06:08 10:04 |
Location:
Saltworks |
Camera Information: NIKON D3X, 800 mm, f/6.3, 1/1600 |
File Name: JCD9416-AmericanAvocet |
© 2011 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |


Black Skimmer(Rynchops niger) |
Description: Saltworks at South San Diego Bay NWR. San Diego County, California. |
Date Taken: 2011:06:08 10:10 |
Location:
Saltworks |
Camera Information: NIKON D3X, 800 mm, f/6.3, 1/1600 |
File Name: JCD9435-BlackSkimmer |
© 2011 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |


Least Tern(Sternula antillarum) |
Description: California Least Terns struggle to survive many perils despite the measures to protect them. Saltworks at South San Diego Bay NWR. San Diego County, California. |
Date Taken: 2011:06:08 11:41 |
Location:
Saltworks |
Camera Information: NIKON D3X, 800 mm, f/6.3, 1/1600 |
File Name: JCD9571-LeastTern |
© 2011 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |


Snowy Plover(Charadrius alexandrinus) |
Description: Western Snowy Plovers nest at the Saltworks at South San Diego Bay NWR. San Diego County, California. |
Date Taken: 2011:06:08 12:12 |
Location:
Saltworks |
Camera Information: NIKON D3X, 800 mm, f/6.3, 1/2000 |
File Name: JCD9672-SnowyPlover |
© 2011 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |


Caspian Tern(Hydroprogne caspia) |
Description: A chick about to emerge from a 'pipped' egg at the Saltworks at South San Diego Bay NWR. San Diego County, California. |
Date Taken: 2009:05:27 10:03 |
Location:
Saltworks |
Camera Information: NIKON D2X, 420 mm, f/5.6, 1/500 |
File Name: JCD9747.CaspianTern.Egg_ |
© 2009 Jack Daynes, shadeTree Imaging |


Savannah Sparrow(Passerculus sandwichensis) |
Description: Fledgling chick. A successful action to avoid the bipedal threat. (Belding's SubSp.) Saltworks at South San Diego Bay NWR. San Diego County, California. |
Date Taken: 2009:05:27 10:38 |
Location:
Saltworks |
Camera Information: NIKON D2X, 550 mm, f/5.6, 1/350 |
File Name: JCD9780.SavannahSparrow.Beldings.Chick_ |
© 2009 Jack Daynes, www.shadetree-imaging.com |


Royal Tern(Thalasseus maximus) |
Description: This image was published in the San Diego County Bird Atlas. Saltworks at South San Diego Bay NWR. San Siego County, California. |
Date Taken: 2003:05:28 8:20 |
Location:
Saltworks |
Camera Information: |
File Name: A3E28E10RoyalTern |
© 2003 Jack Daynes, shadeTree Imaging |


Ruddy Turnstone(Arenaria interpres) |
Description: Loafing and waiting for the return of low tide at the Saltworks at South San Diego Bay NWR USA 2003-07-26. |
Date Taken: 2003:07:26 16:39 |
Location:
Saltworks |
Camera Information: Nikon SUPER COOLSCAN 4000 ED, |
File Name: A3G26b07-RuddyTurnStone |
© 2003 Jack Daynes, shadeTree-Imaging.com |


Forster's Tern(Sterna forsteri) |
Description: Chicks waiting for parents. Saltworks at South San Diego Bay NWR. San Siego County, California. |
Date Taken: 2008:09:27 17:15 |
Location:
Saltworks |
Camera Information: Nikon SUPER COOLSCAN 4000 ED, |
File Name: A3G26c37-ForstersTern-Chicks |
© 2003 Jack Daynes, shadeTree Imaging |


American Avocet(Recurvirostra americana) |
Description: At the South San Diego Bay Saltworks in Chula Vista California. Part of the San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge. |
Date Taken: 2017:05:17 9:10 |
Location:
Saltworks |
Camera Information: NIKON D5, 460 mm, f/8.0, 1/8000 |
File Name: AmericanAvocet_D5X1262 |
© 2017 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |


Gull-Billed Tern(Gelochelidon nilotica) |
Description: Brand new chick at the South San Diego Bay Saltworks in Chula Vista California. Part of the San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge. |
Date Taken: 2017:05:17 8:59 |
Location:
Saltworks |
Camera Information: NIKON D5, 280 mm, f/8.0, 1/4000 |
File Name: GullBilledTern_D5X1189-Chick-Nest |
© 2017 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |


Gull-Billed Tern(Gelochelidon nilotica) |
Description: A chick has just "pipped" the egg a the South San Diego Bay Saltworks in Chula Vista California. Part of the San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge. |
Date Taken: 2017:05:17 10:40 |
Location:
Saltworks |
Camera Information: NIKON D5, 280 mm, f/6.3, 1/8000 |
File Name: GullBilledTern_D5X1702-Chick-Egg |
© 2017 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |


Killdeer(Charadrius vociferus) |
Description: Parent and new chick at the South San Diego Bay Saltworks in Chula Vista California. Part of the San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge. |
Date Taken: 2017:05:17 8:25 |
Location:
Saltworks |
Camera Information: NIKON D5, 450 mm, f/7.1, 1/2500 |
File Name: Killdeer_D5X1160-Chick |
© 2017 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |


Little Blue Heron(Egretta caerulea) |
Description: Foraging in the Otay River at the South San Diego Bay Saltworks in Chula Vista California. Part of the San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge. |
Date Taken: 2017:05:17 8:22 |
Location:
Saltworks |
Camera Information: NIKON D5, 550 mm, f/8.0, 1/1600 |
File Name: LittleBlueHeron_D5X1098 |
© 2017 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |


Little Blue Heron(Egretta caerulea) |
Description: Foraging in the Otay River at the South San Diego Bay Saltworks in Chula Vista California. Part of the San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge. |
Date Taken: 2017:05:17 8:22 |
Location:
Saltworks |
Camera Information: NIKON D5, 550 mm, f/8.0, 1/2000 |
File Name: LittleBlueHeron_D5X1127 |
© 2017 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |


Royal Tern(Thalasseus maximus) |
Description: At the South San Diego Bay Saltworks in Chula Vista California. Part of the San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge. |
Date Taken: 2017:05:17 10:13 |
Location:
Saltworks |
Camera Information: NIKON D5, 300 mm, f/7.1, 1/8000 |
File Name: RoyalTern_D5X-1527 |
© 2017 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |


Sanderling(Calidris alba) |
Description: Look closely and you may spot a Western Sandpiper or two in this small migrating flock wheeling over the South San Diego Bay Saltworks in Chula Vista California USA 2017-05-17. Part of the San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge. |
Date Taken: 2017:05:17 9:31 |
Location:
Saltworks |
Camera Information: NIKON D5, 550 mm, f/8.0, 1/8000 |
File Name: Sanderling_D5X1429 |
© 2017 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |


Western Grebe(Aechmophorus occidentalis) |
Description: Foraging in the Otay River at the South San Diego Bay Saltworks in Chula Vista California. Part of the San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge. |
Date Taken: 2017:05:17 10:04 |
Location:
Saltworks |
Camera Information: NIKON D5, 550 mm, f/7.1, 1/8000 |
File Name: WesternGrebe_D5X1489 |
© 2017 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |

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