The Binocular Site
Tijuana Slough National Wildlife Refuge, California
Tijuana Slough hosts a National Wildlife Refuge over 1500 acres of San Diego's wetlands. Over 370 bird species have been recorded across the diverse habitats of open water, marsh, dune, pool, upland, and riparian areas.
Some of the endangered bird species spotted here include Belding's Savannah Sparrow, Brown Pelicans, Least Terns, and Light-footed Clapper Rails.
Along with bird and nature walks over hiking trails that span four miles, interactive exhibits and many educational programs are offered. The American Bird Conservancy has recognized Tijuana Slough as a Globally Important Bird Area, with management programs focused on research, restoration, and education to recover endangered species.
Visitors especially like birding on the McCoy Trail and River Mouth Trail, where a huge range of birds can be seen. Watch for the multitude of Kingbirds, Plovers, Killdeer, Sparrows, Wrens, Blackbirds, Warblers, Kites, Jays, Orioles, and Mockingbirds.
Herons and Mallards are found here, although many Tern species seem to dominate in the summer, including Elegant, Forster's, Gull-billed, and Royal varieties.
The meadows, grasslands, marsh, and dunes provide a rich, comfortable home to birds and ultimately a wonderful time for birdwatching visitors.
The California state bird is the California Quail and you can find a comprehensive checklist for birding in California here.
Photo credit to Grahambones, used with permission under the creative commons license. You can learn more about the refuges, people, and bird watching opportunities at the Tijuana Slough National Wildlife Refuge here.If you've visited the Tijuana Slough National Wildlife Refuge, please take the time to share your experience and any tips or insight you have about this California bird watching location below.
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