Birding in San Diego: "America's Wildest City"

In a state known for its incredible biodiversity, one county stands above the rest in terms of sheer number of species: San Diego County.  Tucked in the southwestern corner of California and bordered by two extremes - the Pacific Ocean to the west and the Colorado Desert to the east - San Diego county encompasses a wide range of habitats.  And within those diverse habitats live more species of wildlife than any other single county in the country.  

On an early spring visit to San Diego county, we tallied up nearly 150 species of birds over the course of a couple of days as we made our way from quintessentially Californian chaparral-covered hills and sandy beaches, to arid desert scrubland and even out onto the open ocean.

Yellow-crowned Night Heron


As we wandered through salt marsh habitat at the Tijuana Slough National Wildlife Refuge, we were surprised by the abundance and prominence of Yellow-crowned Night Herons at this location.  These close relatives of our more common Black-crowned Night Heron are typically found along the Gulf Coast and across the Southeastern United States; generally, they are not at all common in California.  But a sizable population resides here, in San Diego county. 

Tijuana Slough NWR


I was also excited to find several secretive Ridgway's Rails quietly going about their business along the edges of the slough.  

Ridgway's Rail


Ridgway's Rails are listed as Federally Endangered, and their range is highly restricted in California's dwindling salt marshes.  It was a pleasant surprise to find so many of them in one of their strongholds at Tijuana Slough National Wildlife Refuge.  

Ridgway's Rail


In addition to the Ridgway's Rail, four other species of birds that are listed as federally threatened or endangered utilize habitat at the Tijuana Slough National Wildlife Refuge: Western Snowy Plover, California Least Tern, California Gnatcatcher and Least Bell's Vireo.

Tijuana Slough NWR


Escaped parrots and parakeets abound in San Diego county, where several of these exotic species have established populations and become "naturalized."  These species are now considered "countable" by the birding powers that be, so finding them can add a fun little boost to a visiting birder's life list.  We cruised one neighborhood in particular to find these Burrowing Parakeets.

Burrowing Parakeets


Another excellent spot for birding in San Diego is the mouth of the San Diego River, along with adjacent beaches and mudflats.  City parks here and across San Diego offer excellent opportunities for urban birding, which may turn up a number of interesting species including parrots and other exotics.  

San Diego River


Here, along the San Diego River, we spotted several Little Blue Herons foraging.  This is another species of the Gulf and Atlantic Coasts that is not typically found on the Pacific Coast.  

Little Blue Heron


On the mudflats, a large flock of Black Skimmers loafed while Royal Terns fished over the river.

Black Skimmers


A winter visitor in these parts, several lingering Brant were feeding along the edges of the San Diego River.   

Brant


While visiting San Diego, I was eager to take a whale watching trip from Mission Bay in hopes of finding a few pelagic species, like Scripp's Murrelet and Cocos (formerly Brown) Booby.  After delaying the trip due to high winds and poor sea conditions, we finally made it out onto the ocean, where Cocos Boobies were plentiful (though the murrelets evaded us entirely).  We also saw a number of fulmars and a few jaegers from the boat as well. 

Cocos Boobies and a Common Dolphin 


In the deserts of eastern San Diego county, we hiked out on the Pacific Crest Trail in search of a few species of desert scrublands, like Gray Vireo and Black-chinned Sparrow.  We also were able to watch three Harris's Hawks hunting, feeding and interacting with one another in the desert town of Jacumba, one of the only places in the state of California where these birds of southwestern deserts can be found.  Read more about that experience here.

Harris's Hawks


During our stay in San Diego, we spent part of our time camping at beautiful Mission Trails Regional Park, which is dominated by classic Southern California chaparral, one of the state's most iconic plant communities.  

Mission Trails Regional Park


My target bird at this location was the California Gnatcatcher, which I did find but was unable to photograph.  Instead, I captured this noisy little Hutton's Vireo.

Hutton's Vireo



For the animal lover, no trip to San Diego would be complete without a visit to both the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park.  We spent a full day at each of these locations, and thoroughly enjoyed learning about the numerous exotic birds that are part of the zoo's many conservation programs.  Incidentally, the wild birds were particularly abundant at the safari park as well, and the park's gardens and wild corners afforded some of the best birding of our whole trip!

Townsend's Warbler


Greater Roadrunner


Allen's Hummingbird


For any wildlife enthusiast, a visit to Southern California's San Diego county is certainly a worthwhile experience!  From beaches to deserts, pine forests and oak woodlands to sage and chapparal, San Diego county offers a little bit of everything, along with the impressive array of species that call these landscapes home.  

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About Me

Named after the Sierra Nevada Mountains, I am a naturalist and avid birder based in Central California. Above all, I am a follower of Jesus Christ, our amazingly good Creator God whose magnificent creation is an unending source of awe and inspiration for me. I hope to inspire others to appreciate, respect and protect this beautiful earth we share, and invite you to come along with me as I explore the nature of California and beyond!
- Siera Nystrom -



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