Coastal Bird Spotting
San Diego's coastal wildlife refuges are located at the south end of San Diego Bay and near the Mexico border. During the winter season, a diverse variety of land and water birds can be observed at the protected areas of south San Diego Bay and the Tijuana Slough. This trip includes "behind the gates" access to the "Salt Works" in South San Diego Bay and to the mouth of the Tijuana River.
The trip includes a stop at the Tijuana Estuary Visitor Center and a presentation on the successful Light-footed Ridgway's Rail captive breeding program. Though the trip is free, seating is limited. Registration is requested. Species highlights: Eared Grebe, Bufflehead, Surf Scoter, Black-bellied Plover, Black Skimmer, several species of terns, Willet, Whimbrel, American Avocet, Black-necked Stilt, Osprey, and Peregrine Falcon. Additionally, there is a good chance to observe endangered Light-Footed Ridgway's Rails in the wild.