Join us for a captivating birding event exploring North County Birding Hotspots in San Diego, hosted by the Palomar Audubon Society. This guided tour will take you to two of the region's prime birdwatching locations: Whelan Lake and Batiquitos Lagoon. Both sites offer an exceptional variety of bird species, from waterfowl to migratory songbirds, making them perfect for birders of all levels.

Our first stop, Whelan Lake, is known for its scenic beauty and diverse bird populations. As we stroll along the trails, keep an eye out for Eared Grebes and Westeren Grebes gracefully diving in the water. You may also spot Northern Shovlers and American Wigeons in the lake's calm waters. On the surrounding brush and trees, look for Spotted Towhees, Cactus Wrens, and Black-Throated Sparrows.

Next, we will head to Batiquitos Lagoon, a coastal wetland that provides a crucial stopover for migrating birds along the Pacific Flyway. As we walk the trails and boardwalks, be on the lookout for Long-Billed Curlews, Marbled Godwits, and Sanderlings foraging along the mudflats at low tide. Whimbrels and Least Sandpipers are also common here, while the lagoon’s shallow waters attract Great Egrets and Snowy Egrets hunting for fish.

This event is a wonderful opportunity to explore the birding treasures of North County San Diego while learning from knowledgeable guides from the Palomar Audubon Society. Bring your binoculars, a field guide, and your love of birds as we explore these hotspots and discover the fascinating world of local and migratory bird species.

Whelan Lake and Batiquitos, with Palomar Audubon Society.
If you are staying at the Dana, a free shuttle will be available to take you from the hotel to Marina Village from 5:30 am until 7:30 am. Breakfast is available in the Marine Room from 5:30 to 7:30. Please drop by and enjoy some breakfast with us.
Lunch is included with this trip.

The start time of this trip indicates the time the bus intends to leave. Please plan accordingly.

Experience birds from a completely different point of view, in tandem kayaks! Learn about the ReWilding efforts in Mission Bay. Paddle through calm, serene waters as we explore this beautiful coastal ecosystem.
This field trip offers a great opportunity to observe birds from the water, with views into Kendall-Frost Marsh (we are unable to paddle into the marsh) and Fiesta Island.
In late February, Mission Bay is a prime spot for birdwatching as it serves as an important stopover for migratory species. Keep an eye out for Pacific Loons and Eared Grebes. You'll see Willets and Long-billed Curlews foraging along the shores. Black-crowned Night Herons and Great Blue Herons perch in trees along the shore, while Osprey hunt from the air above. As we paddle through the tranquil waters, the chances to observe bird behaviors up close are abundant. This field trip is an unforgettable way to connect with nature for beginners and seasoned birders.
You must provide your own transportation to and from the meeting place for this trip.

Join Professional Photographer Krisztina Scheeff / KS Nature Photography for a look at the amazing courtship behaviors of Western and Clark's Grebes...and other species that live around Lake Hodges.

You must provide your own transportation to and from the meeting place for this trip.

Meeting location: Del Dios Community Park Escondido 92029

Address: 20175 Lake Dr, Escondido, CA 92029

MAP of meeting location : http://tinyurl.com/yc2huej4

Park on Lake Dr between Date and Beach Lanes. Parking is limited, but usually plenty of space for about 20 cars.

What to bring: binoculars, water, snack if you like, camera if you like, and your happy self.

Other gear: hat, sunscreen, bug spray (some days there are little tiny flies like to visit the water’s edge). Please wear comfortable shoes, hiking boots are ideal. Walk is on flat paved road with a short walk on sand to the shore, about 2 mile round trip. We will walk slow, birding and taking photos as we go.

Optional extension to the boat docks to those who would like to stay longer and walk a bit more.

Join Professional Photographer Krisztina Scheeff / KS Nature Photography for a look at the amazing courtship behaviors of Western and Clark's Grebes...and other species that live around Lake Hodges.

You must provide your own transportation to and from the meeting place for this trip.

Meeting location: Del Dios Community Park Escondido 92029

Address: 20175 Lake Dr, Escondido, CA 92029

MAP of meeting location : http://tinyurl.com/yc2huej4

Park on Lake Dr between Date and Beach Lanes. Parking is limited, but usually plenty of space for about 20 cars.

What to bring: binoculars, water, snack if you like, camera if you like, and your happy self.

Other gear: hat, sunscreen, bug spray (some days there are little tiny flies like to visit the water’s edge). Please wear comfortable shoes, hiking boots are ideal. Walk is on flat paved road with a short walk on sand to the shore, about 2 mile round trip. We will walk slow, birding and taking photos as we go.

Optional extension to the boat docks to those who would like to stay longer and walk a bit more.

<p>A walk with Opticron's Chip Clouse and the Friends of Famosa Slough for birding and to learn about the extraordinary continuing effort of the local community to save this urban oasis for birds. Famosa Slough is located in the heart of urban San Diego between Old Town San Diego State Historic Park and Ocean Beach. This marine protected area sits within a remnant 30-acre wetland. Famosa Slough, a narrow 12-acre natural channel connecting the San Diego River estuary and the Pacific Ocean, allows tidal salt water to mix with fresh water from the local watershed to form a unique estuarine environment. During high tides, larval marine fish and invertebrates are able to enter the wetland. Calm, protected, brackish water provides habitat for fish, crustaceans, and plants. Because it is a significant feeding and resting site for ducks, herons, terns, and a multitude of shorebirds, birdwatching is popular here.&nbsp; Participants will want to bring binoculars, a hat, sunscreen, water and snacks if you want them. Much of the area is viewable from a flat dirt, accessible area. The dirt paths around parts of the slough are not all easily accessed using wheel chairs or other mobility assisting devices. There are no restroom facilities at the Famosa Slough. The Slough is located at 4275-4283 West Point Loma Blvd. San Diego 92107. To use GPS, put in just one address (eg. 4275). We will meet on the side walk in front of the viewing area on the south side of West Point Loma Blvd. Park on the street. It is a busy street so cross carefully.</p>

Experience the breathtaking La Jolla Cove coastline, where birds and sea mammals thrive along the rugged shores. This outing offers views of birds that prefer rocky outcropings, such as Surfbirds and Wandering Tattlers. It is also an exellent opportunity to see pelagic birds from land. Some exciting sightings from previous trips include Black Oystercatcher, Black-vented Shearwater, and Pelagic Cormorant.
Participants are encouraged to bring a spotting scope or borrow one to fully take in the spectacular coastal wildlife.
You must provide your own transportation to and from the meeting place for this trip. Lunch is not provided.