Today, since I was going to Santee anyway, decided to 'tackle' San Diego proper lol.
Naturally, consulted Joan Lentz's
Introduction to Birds of the Southern California Coast (California Natural History Guides)
This book is really good; particularly very detailed descrptions of birding sites along the coast!
So according to this book;
San Diego River Flood Control Channel;
Visited both banks, and it didn't disappoint. Especially recommend taking the North Bank.
Sea World Dr. exit at I-5, after Friar's Rd, right across South Shores Park Dr., make a LEFT turn to go inside the unmarked road; go in as far as possible, you can park on the side.
SO good...at last saw an Avocet!! Swinging that upward-curbed bill side by side to find its prey...naturally recorded as well!
It all went downhill from there :sobbing:
South Bank was so, so.
Sunset Cliffs, likewise.
Point Loma Ecological Reserve at Cabrillo Natl Monument was the WORST. It took damn long to get there, it was actually inside? the Naval? Base, and arrived too early at 8am lol. A guard approached menacingly and ordered me to leave, saying the park opens at 9am($5 fee). Instantly was reminded of the incident at Laguna Niguel..ugh, the trauma. Just managed to take some pics before encountering that guard lol.
The nadir was Santee; because I totally forgot how to approach it, the Mast exit on 52 E. So had to ask a hotel clerk, and she kindly printed out he google map page for me, but then drove to the opposite direction -_-
Naturally was about an hour late, so was pretty depressed;
but Santee was FANTASTIC!
Multiple lakes, so many shorebirds including Mandarin ducks abound, but we birders look for more elusive birds lol. Those were on the trees and bushes adjacent to the lake(fenced), and to our delight, spotted
Spotted Sandpiper(this was on the lake shore),
Hermit Thrush(this wasn't like a hermit at all, energetically bouncing up and down lol),
Nuttal Woodpecker which perched on the branch right in front of us lol(thought it was it but confirmed by asking veteran birder!),
Ruby-crested Kinglet
and many else!
Right on the entrance from Lake Canyon Drive(park THERE, turn on the Left on Fanita, it's on the Right), ther's a tall pine tree next to the Teen Center. What luck, at the top of it was a Hawk's nest!!! Spotted a couple!! Naturally took a pic and video as well.
As you can see I was going UP from SD; naturally, my next stop was San Elijo. The South side was very promising. Since I visited late, decided to come practically every morning. Went to the North side, that is, Nature Center, and it was fantastic! Upper viewing deck and shaded tables and chairs! Chatted with a girl staff, Sierra Medveldt or something...Norwegian descent lol. She wisely recommended visiting at the Tides, low and high, to ensure the most productivity(I naively asked if morning was fine lol). Said to consult NOAA, which I was familiar with! She also grieved at the demise of WTA Carlsbad lol.
Also went to San Dieguito, especially the County Park was very fine; didn't go inside the park itself, fearing the parking fee, just parked on the opposite side lane. Actually the trees on the both side of the lane, park and the golf course, was very productive; spotted plenty of birds, Sparrows, Yellow Throat? and Wesern Bluebird! Fantastic.
The River Park was actually right BEHIND the McDonalds I always go while the ITF RSF is on!! Lol.
Next, San Diego Botanic Garden, which was actually right near my hotel at Encinitas!! The signs were very helpful too.
Since I'm a member of Arboretum, got in free, yet there was a parking fee, $2.
Lots of bamboo trees, and the diversity was impressive considering the size; smaller than Arboretum yet packed intensely with plants from all over, including fruit plants. And they had a Cal. Quail viewing lot, so could watch them up-close! Bought a bamboo keyring.
Finally, alighted at La Costa, parked at the mall adjacent to the Resort(former Carlsbad WTA venue; the owner has changed!!! Different name, took a photo as well), and scouted the lagoon, on the both side of the bridge. There was a trail from the free parking space(a secret place, but have to walk for some time to arrive at the tennis venue lol), should check it out in the morning.
It's actually the Southern side of the Batiquitos Lagoon methink, which I visited the Northern Shore yesterday.
Wow. How many places did I cover today lol! Nothing short of a Heroic Quest! :)
Should go to Water Conservation Garden at El Cajon,
La Jolla,
Sherman Library & Gardens at Corona del Mar...
Looking forward to those as usual.
Still havering over Chula Vista; it's of course moot if it rains lol(tennis tournament as well).
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