 Google Maps plots the starting point of each fieldtrip! |
Seasoned birders or beginners are welcome to join us on our field trips. For more information call the trip leader. Locations in Thomas Guide coordinates are shown in parenthesis after the trip titles. Directions to Park & Ride (1150-A1) The Park & Ride location for Palomar Audubon trips is just off the I-15 and Rancho Valley Parkway. It is west of I-15 and north of Rancho Valley Parkway on Del Lago Boulevard. Turn right past McDonalds. |
| Terrain Difficulty Rating Scale 1 = Easy 2 = Moderate 3 = Challenging |
Car pooling: The North County Park & Ride location is offered only as a suggested meeting point. PAS does not organize or oversee car pool activities. If you want to car pool it is up to you to make prior arrangements with others. |
- Apr
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- Aug
- Sept
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
- Jan '12
- Feb '12
- Mar '12
Saturday, April 2, 8:30 a.m. From I-15 in Escondido exit at Via Rancho Parkway and drive west to Lake Drive. Turn left and drive about 1/2 mile. Meet at Del Dios Park across from the Country Store. We should see waterfowl, shorebirds and a whole host of local residents. Leader: Jeff Ebright |
Saturday, April 9, 8:30 a.m. Travel south on I-5 from San Diego and exit west on Coronado Avenue, which becomes Imperial Beach Boulevard. Turn left on 3rd Street to Caspian Way and then right to the Visitor Center parking lot. We'll bird the Estuary and then check for additional species at 7th Street on South San Diego Bay. Leader: Jim Beckman |
Saturday, April 16, 8:30 a.m. Take Highway 52 east to the Mast Blvd. exit in Santee. Turn north/east onto Mast Blvd. and then right at the 1st traffic signal (West Hills Parkway). Take West Hills Parkway to Mission Gorge Road and turn right. Take Mission Gorge Road 0.2 miles and merge right onto Father Junipero Serra Trail. Proceed 0.7 miles down Father Juniper Serra Trail to the Old Mission Dam parking lot, located on the right. This should be prime time for spring migrants. Leader: Penny Hernandez |
Saturday, April 23, 8:30 a.m. From Escondido, proceed north on I-15 for approximately 36 miles to the I-15/I-215 split in Murrieta. Change to I-215 north and continue about 30 miles to Hwy 60 east. Take Hwy 60 east then continuing east on I-10 to Hwy 62, approximately 40 miles. Go north on Hwy 62 to Morongo Valley (a small town), about 12 miles. About a mile or two into town, look for signs for Big Morongo Canyon Preserve. Turn right (south) on East Drive, a dirt road, to the Preserve. The parking lot is just beyond. Picnic tables and restrooms are available. In the caretaker's yard, several hummingbird and seed feeders will attract many birds for your enjoyment. This location is always a spring hot spot and favorite PAS field trip. Bring a lunch for an after birding picnic at the bird feeders. Allow 2 hours travel time from Escondido. Leader: Doug Nail |
Saturday, April 30, 8:00 a.m. From North County, take the I-15 south and merge with the I-5 south to the Dairy Mart Road Exit. Turn right on Dairy Mart Rd. (south). Meet just past the concrete bridge next to the large pond on the west side of Dairy Mart Road. We will also caravan a short distance to the TJRV Park Headquarters (public restroom and bird feeders) and then visit the nearby Bird & Butterfly Garden where there is a chance of seeing the elusive Black-throated Magpie Jay. Leader: Jim Beckman |
Saturday, May 7, 8:00 a.m. From I-15 in Escondido, exit at El Norte Parkway and drive east approximately 3 miles. Look for the "Daley Ranch/Dixon Lake" signs and turn left on La Honda Drive. Continue north toward Dixon Lake and on to the free Daley Ranch parking area on your left. Meet at the trailhead kiosk. Leader: David Mathis |
Saturday, May 14, 8:00 a.m. From I-15 in Escondido, exit east on Via Rancho Parkway and drive about 1 mile to Park Roadentrance on your left – at the fire station. Proceed on Park Road about ¾ mile to the Amphitheaterparking lot on the right. Woodland, riparian, and open-area habitats usually get us a nice list ofresident birds. Leader: Sunny Christensen |
Saturday, May 21, 8:00 a.m.
This small wilderness area represents a fine example of oak woodland habitat. Meet in the
Leader: Penny Hernandez |
Saturday, May 28, 8: a.m. From I-5, I-805, or I-15, take Hwy. 94 east; stay on Hwy. 94 as it becomes Campo Road, then turn right on Singer Lane, and then an immediate left onto the dirt parking area near the old steel bridge. This area is a rich stream habitat surrounded by native chaparral and sage scrub. There are no restrooms or drinking water available, so plan accordingly. Expect warm weather. It’s a PAS tradition to eat at Rubio’s after birding.
Leader: Jim Kerr |
Saturday, June 4, 8:00 a.m. From Escondido take Hwy 78 east (from San Diego take Hwy 67 east) to Ramona, then Hwy 78 toward Julian, past Santa Ysabel. At Wynola start looking for the sign for William Heise Park (1 mile west of Julian). Turn right on Pine Hill Road and drive south for 2 miles to Frisius Road. Turn left (east) onto Frisius Road and drive for another 2 miles to the park entrance. We will meet in the parking lot. There is a parking fee. We will also drive to Santa Ysabel Mission to look for orioles and other spring/summer migrants. Bring a lunch for an after birding picnic. Expect warm weather. Leader: Jeff Ebright |
Saturday, June 11, 8:00 a.m. We will meet at the old parking area for Agua Dulce Creek Group camp. Driving east on I-8, and after Pine Valley, look for signs indicating the Sunrise Highway Exit and Laguna Mountain Recreation Area. Go north on Sunrise Hwy. (S-1) to Wooded Hill Road, the first road on the left and directly across the road from Morris Ranch Road. Restrooms, picnic tables and water are available in the Lagunas at Burnt Rancheria Picnic area. A Forest Service Adventure Pass is required and is available locally at major sporting goods stores and at other areas in the Lagunas. Bring a lunch for an after walk picnic. Expect warm weather. Leader: Sally Sanderson |
Saturday, June 18, 8:00 a.m. From San Diego, take I-8 east and exit north on Hwy 79. Continue approximately 12 miles to the Paso Pacacho Campground on the left. From the North County, take Hwy 78 (or Hwy 67) to Ramona, and then continue on Hwy 78 just past Julian, to Hwy 79. Take Hwy 79 south approximately 10 miles to the campground on the right where we will meet. There is a day use fee. Bring a lunch for an after walk picnic. Expect warm weather. Leader: Doug Nail |
Saturday, June 25, 8:00 a.m. This field trip will start from the parking lot at Doane Pond. Leave the Escondido area at about 7 a.m. From I-15, take Highway 76 east to Highway S6, north to Palomar Mountain. Or from Escondido, take Highway S6 to Palomar Mountain. At the mountaintop, at the S7 intersection stop sign, turn left and continue for 3 miles on State Park Rd. to the Palomar Mountain State Park entrance. There is a day use fee. Proceed 1.5 miles to the Doane Pond/School Camp area. Bring a lunch for an after walk picnic. Expect warm weather. Leader: Jim Beckman |
Saturday, July 2nd |
Saturday, July 9, 8:00 a.m. From North County, take I-15 south to Hwy 52, east to Mission Gorge Rd. Continue east on Mission Gorge Rd. to Woodside Ave. Go under the Hwy 67 overpass staying on Woodside Ave (into Lakeside) to the end of the road, with the parking lot on the left. From San Diego, take I-8 east to Hwy 67 north, and take the Riverford Rd. exit. After exiting, turn left on Woodside Ave (into Lakeside) and continue to the end of the road, with the parking lot on the left.
Leader: Jeff Ebright |
Saturday, July 16, 8:00 a.m. Travel south on I-5 from San Diego and exit west on Coronado Avenue, which becomes Imperial Beach Blvd. Turn left on 3rd Street to Caspian Way, turn left and then right to the Tijuana Estuary Visitor Center parking lot. Leader: Sally Sanderson |
Saturday, July 23, 8:00 a.m. Since there is a $10/vehicle parking fee, carpooling is suggested. We will meet at a nearby Park & Ride and carpool from there. From I-5, take the Carmel Valley Road exit and drive west to the first stoplight @ Pointe Del Mar Rd. Turn left into the parking lot. Initially, we will bird along the road south to the wastewater pump station. Later, returning to our cars at the parking lot, we will drive west to the Reserve entrance on Carmel Valley Road, and then later, continue on to the Reserve entrance on South Camino Del Mar (Coast Hwy.). Here we will bird on the top of the bluffs overlooking the ocean. Torrey Pines State Reserve is located within the San Diego city limits and yet remains one of the wildest stretches of land on our Southern California coast. Its 2000 acres of land are as they were before San Diego was developed with the chaparral plant community, the rare and elegant Torrey Pine trees, miles of unspoiled beaches, and a lagoon that is vital to migrating seabirds.
Leader: Jack Friery |
Saturday, July 30, 8:00 a.m. From Highway 78 in Oceanside, exit north on College Boulevard curving left and drive 4.4 miles to Highway 76. Make a right turn and continue east about ½ mile to Lake Guajome Rd. Turn right (south) and drive up the hill past the park entrance. We usually convene on this road beyond the park entrance since we gather well before the park opens. Leader: David Mathis |
Saturday, August 6, 8:00 a.m. We will visit two locations along the San Diego River Floodway to look for early migrant and returning shorebirds, often still in breading plumage, and post-breeding dispersal Elegant Terns. From North County, take Hwy. 163S to I-8W and drive toward Ocean Beach. Make a slight left at Sunset Cliffs Blvd. and then stay in the right lane. Turn right onto W. Point Loma Blvd. and then right at Bacon St. Drive straight ahead to the Robb Field parking area near the tennis courts at the east end. Bring a scope if you have one. We will also visit the nearby San Diego River Flood Control Channel and/or Famosa Slough. Leader: Jim Beckman |
Saturday, August 13, 8:00 a.m. A good spot to find early fall migrants. Take I-5 to Lomas Santa Fe Drive. Go west to North Rios Ave. Turn right (north) and go all the way to the end of North Rios Ave. Park and meet at the end of the street near the barricade. Bring a scope, if you have one, and water and plan for warm weather.
Leader: Doug Nail |
Saturday, August 20, 8:00 a.m. From I -15 go east on Highway 52. Exit at Mast Blvd. Continue east on Mast Blvd. to Fanita Parkway. Turn right at Fanita Parkway and the entrance to Santee Lakes is on the right. Car entry fee is $5. OR from Mast Blvd, turn left on Fanita Parkway and continue north to Lake Canyon Dr. Turn right, park, and walk in the open gate for FREE. Meet in the parking lot by the General Store between lakes 4 and 5.
Leader: Penny Hernandez |
Saturday, August 27, 8:00 a.m. From North County, take I-15 south and merge with the I-5 south to the Dairy Mart Road Exit. Turn right on Dairy Mart Rd. (south). Meet just past the concrete bridge next to the large “TJRV Park” sign and the large pond on the west side of Dairy Mart Rd. We will also caravan a short distance to the TJRV Park Headquarters (public restroom and bird feeders) and then visit the nearby Bird & Butterfly Gardens where we might see the elusive Black-throated Magpie Jay. Leader: Jim Beckman |
Saturday, September 3, 8:00 a.m. From I-15 in Escondido, exit east on Via Rancho Parkway and drive about one mile northeast to the Park Road entrance at the stop light. Turn left and proceed on Park Road about ¾ mile to the Amphitheater parking lot on the right. Woodland, riparian, and open-area habitats will usually get us a nice list of resident birds. Leader: Sunny Christiansen |
Saturday, September 10, 8:00 a.m. We will meet at the Rancho de los Penasquitos Adobe Ranch House parking lot and explore trails through grasslands and riparian woodland. Take I-15 and exit at Mercy Road going west. Turn right onto Black Mountain Road and drive a short distance to Canyonside Park Drive (first stop light). Turn left and continue west to the Adobe Ranch House parking lot. Expect warm weather. Leader: Jeff Ebright |
Saturday, September 17, 8:00 a.m. From I-5 in Carlsbad, exit east on Poinsettia Lane. Turn right on Bataquitos Drive, drive about ½ mile to Gabbiano Lane, turn right and continue to the end. We will look for ducks, waterfowl, and riparian birds.
Leader: Penny Hernandez |
Saturday, September 24, 8:00 a.m. This small wilderness area represents a fine example of oak woodland habitat. Meet in the Wilderness Garden parking lot, which is about 10 miles east of I-15 on Hwy.76, on the south side of the highway. Parking fee required, but free with SD County Parks Senior Pass. Bring a lunch for an after-birding picnic. Expect warm weather. Leader: Jim BeckmanEmail: jbeckman@pwtinc.com 858-205-2819 |
Saturday, October 1, 8:00a.m Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve is the largest coastal salt marsh preserve in the Los Angeles/Orange County metropolitan region. Its 300 acres are a vital oasis for resident shorebirds and millions of migrating birds traveling between the Arctic and South America along the Pacific Flyway. At Huntington Central Park we will see locals and possibly vagrant migrants. We will bird at the Reserve first and then drive to Huntington Central Park. Directions: Take I-5 north past San Juan Capistrano and then take Hwy 73 (toll road), north to I-405. (Or continue on I-5 to I-405). Take I-405 north (towards Long Beach). Exit on Warner Ave. West. Continue west approximately 6 miles to Pacific Coast Hwy. Turn left (south) and drive about 1 mile to the Reserve parking lot on the left. It's about 70 miles from Oceanside and should take about 75 minutes. Meet at the boardwalk entrance. Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy at the Park picnic tables. Leader: Doug Nail |
Saturday, October 8, 8:00 a.m.
Whelan Lake Bird Sanctuary From I-15 take Hwy 78 west and exit north on El Camino Real and continue to Douglas Drive. From I-5 exit east on Hwy 76 and continue to the Douglas Drive exit. Take Douglas Drive north approximately 1 mile and turn left on North River Road to the entrance gate at the end. Continue west on the dirt road to the caretaker’s house and the parking lot. Leader: David Mathis |
Saturday, October 15, 8:00 a.m. From I-15 in Escondido exit at Via Rancho Parkway and drive west to Lake Drive. Turn left and drive about 1/2 mile. Meet at Del Dios Park across the street from the Country Store. We should see waterfowl, shorebirds and a whole host of local residents. Leader: Jeff Ebright |
Saturday, October 22, 8:00 a.m. From Hwy 52 driving west exit at La Jolla Blvd. West (formerly Ardath Road). Continue on this road, which will merge with Torrey Pines Rd for about ¾ mile, then turn right on Prospect. Continue on Prospect to Coast Blvd. Meet in front of the Bridge Club and restrooms. Parking is all along Coast Blvd and adjacent residential streets. Arrive early for the best parking spots. We will be looking for shorebirds, gulls, and seabirds.
Leader: Jack Friery |
Saturday, October 29, 8:30 a.m. From I-15 in Escondido exit at El Norte Parkway and drive east approximately 3 miles. Look for the “Daley Ranch” sign and turn left (north) on La Honda Drive. Continue toward Dixon Lake and on to the Daley Ranch parking area on your left. Meet at the trailhead kiosk. Leader: Jim Beckman |
Saturday, November 5, 8:30 a.m. Take I-15 south to I-8. Go west on I-8 and exit north on I-5. Take the first off-ramp, Sea World Drive west to South Shores Park Drive (stop light). Turn left and proceed to our meeting place along the frontage road adjacent to the Flood Control Channel. We will be looking for migrating waterfowl and shorebirds in the channel and bay areas and then drive to Famosa Slough. Leader: Doug Nail |
Saturday, November 12, 8:30 a.m. From I-15, exit west at Rancho Bernardo Road and turn right onto West Bernardo Drive going north. Proceed to the street marked Rancho Bernardo Recreation Center (stoplight) and turn left. Drive west to the parking areas by the Ed Brown Senior Center (18402 West Bernardo Drive). Leader: Jeff Ebright |
Sunday, November 20, 8:30 a.m. From San Diego County take I-15 north to I-215. Exit at the Ramona Expressway right (east). Continue east to Lakeview (a small town). At the stoplight, turn left (north) on Davis Road. Proceed on the asphalt and gravel road for three miles to the SJWA headquarters parking lot on the right. From Escondido, allow 75 minutes drive time. Leader: Sally Sanderson |
Saturday, November 26, 8:30 a.m. From North County, take I-15 south to Hwy 52, east to Mission Gorge Road. Continue east to Woodside Avenue, go under the Highway 67 overpass staying on Woodside Avenue (into Lakeside) to the end, with the parking lot on the left. From San Diego, take I8 east to Hwy 67 north, and take the Riverford Road exit. After exiting, turn left on Woodside Ave (into Lakeside) and continue to the end to the parking area on the left. Leader: Jeff Ebright |
Saturday, December 3, 8:30 a.m. From North County, take I-15 south to I-5 and exit at Palomar St. in National City. Go west a short distance and turn left on Bay Blvd. Continue south to 1470 Bay Blvd. and the dirt parking lot on your right. Use a restroom at a fast food joint in National City before arrival – Palomar St. east etc. This location is a restricted area not open to the public. We will be hiking out on the dykes extending into South Bay to view waterfowl and shorebirds. FWS Ranger Debbie Good will accompany us on this field trip. Leader: Jim Beckman |
Saturday, December 10, 8:30 a.m. Take I-15 north to Lake Elsinore and exit at Railroad Canyon Rd/Diamond Drive. Proceed west towards the Baseball Stadium past Lakeshore Drive and turn right on Pete Lehr Drive. Park at the Baseball Stadium, near the lake levee entrance. Joining us will be PAS member and local Wildomar birder, Julie Szabo, who frequently birds this Riverside County birding hotspot. Trip Leaders: Jim Beckman (858) 205-2819 and Julie Szabo (909) 239-4374. |
Saturday, December 17, 8:30 a.m. Take I-5 to Lomas Santa Fe Drive. Go west to North Rios Avenue. Turn right (north) and go all the way to the end of North Rios Avenue. Park and meet at the end of the street near the barricade. This is a good spot to view wintering waterfowl and shorebirds. Leader: Doug Nail |
Saturday, December 24 |
Saturday, December 31 Palomar Audubon Society would like to extend an invitation to all birders to participate in the annual Escondido Christmas Bird Count on Saturday, December 31st. The count circle incorporates mostly rural areas near Escondido, Valley Center, and Ramona. Fantastic birding skills are not a requirement – an extra pair of eyes is always helpful. The participation fee, as required by National Audubon, remains at $5.00. The after-birding compilation meeting will be held in the early afternoon at Kit Carson Park’s covered picnic shelter. The highlight of the day will be the deli-style lunch provided, courtesy of Palomar Audubon Society. For more information and/or team assignments, contact Ken Weaver (760) 723-2448 or email gnatcatcher@sbcglobal.net. Sign up now and join the fun! |
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Saturday, January 7, 8:30 a.m. From I-15 in Escondido, exit at El Norte Parkway and drive east approximately 3 miles. Look for the” Daley Ranch/Dixon Lake” signs and turn left (north) on La Honda Drive. Drive up the hill to the free parking area on your left at the end of the road. Meet at the east end of the parking lot, adjacent to Dixon Lake. Leader: David Mathis |
Saturday, January 14, 8:30 a.m. Take I-15 south to I-805 south and take the Sweetwater Road exit in National City. Turn right at Sweetwater Road and then right at Plaza Bonita Road. You will see the Plaza Bonita Shopping Center parking area on the left. Meet at the far west corner of the parking lot near the Outback Steakhouse. Our walk will be along the Sweetwater River where we should see a good variety of waterfowl and other birds.
Leader: Jeff Ebright |
Saturday, January 21, 8:30 a.m. From I-15 in Rancho Bernardo go east on Rancho Bernardo Road, which turns into Espola Road (S5), and continue to Poway Road (S4). Turn left and drive east to Highway 67. Head north on Highway 67 and just before you reach Ramona, make a hard right on Mussey Grade Road (heading southwest). Continue on Dos Picos Park Road ½ mile to the park entrance on the left. There is a San Diego County Park parking fee.
Leader: Mickey Nail |
January 28-29
Leader: Doug Nail |
Saturday, February 4, 8:30 a.m. From I-15 exit east on Via Rancho Parkway, which becomes Bear Valley Parkway, and drive 5 miles north to Glen Ridge road at Orange Glen High School. Turn right on Glen Ridge Road and proceed approximately 1 mile east to the cemetery gate. Turn left to parking area.
Leader: Penny Hernandez |
Saturday, February 11, 8:30 a.m. From highway 78 in Oceanside, exit north on College Boulevard, staying left at the bottom of the ramp, and drive 4.4 miles to Highway 76. Make a right turn and continue east about ½ mile to Lake Guajome Rd. Turn right (south) and drive up the hill past the park entrance, which does not open until later, and park on the street.
Leader: David Mathis |
Saturday, February 18, 8:30 a.m. Take I-5 north to the San Diego Freeway I-405, then exit on Culver and turn left. At the first signal, which is Michelson, turn right. Continue west on Michelson and then turn left on Harvard. Continue south on Harvard and then turn right on University Dr. Continue on University to Campus Dr. and turn right again. Stay in the far right lane and immediately turn right on to Riparian View which will enter the San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary. (There is a dark green sign by the turnoff, identifying this as the route into the San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary) At the end of the road, you will make a sharp left turn down a steep driveway and into the parking lot. The first building you see will be the Sea & Sage Audubon House. Beyond the Audubon House are the ponds of the San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary and 10 miles of trail for us to explore. Allow 50 min. from Oceanside. Leader: Doug Nail |
Saturday, February 25, 8:30 a.m. Allow 1hr from Escondido. Travel north on I-15 through Temecula to Clinton Keith Rd. Exit Clinton Keith to the right, then turn left and travel west on Clinton Keith for about 4 miles to the Reserve Visitor Center on your left. There is a parking fee. We will meet here and bird briefly around the center, then carpool to the vernal pools, and walk to the historic adobe Ranch House.
Leader: Jim Beckman |
Saturday, March 3 |