10 Spots to Bird Watch in San Diego
Friday, October 14, 2011 at 7:00AM 
Bird watching is a fantastic hobby that allows for relaxation. Many find the hobby to be irresistible once they begin developing the skills and acquiring the basic equipment needed. San Diego offers ample opportunities for even the most demanding bird watching enthusiast, and these ten spots are sure to please everyone – from novice to seasoned vet.
Take, for instance, the Tijuana Estuary. Located at Fifth Street and Iris and maintained by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, it covers 2,500 acres of wetlands with over 370 species of birds. Find the thrill of spotting an American Peregrine Falcon or short-eared owls without going far from home (or your hotel!)
The Kendall Frost Marsh and North Wildlife Preserve offers plenty of opportunities with a 16 acre salt marsh. Guests can find two species of endangered birds amongst dozens of others, all of which can be spotted from the observation deck.
Chula Vista Nature Center is definitely worth a mention and should be on every bird watchers list of spots to check out. Internationally renowned as a zoo and aquarium showcasing local plant and animal life, there are more than 220 species present for guests to watch and identify. Have you ever spotted the Western Screech Owl?
The Blue Sky Ecological Preserve provides an opportunity for bird watchers to spot hawks, turkey vultures, warblers and neotropicals. It’s right off of Bernardo drive.
If you’re looking for a great hike to go with your bird watching tour, then there are few places that compare to Marion Bear Memorial Park/San Clemente Canyon. With over three miles of flat trails traversing the length of the canyon, you will be sure to spot hawks, towhees, woodpeckers, and warblers.
If you’re really looking for a marvelous time, don’t neglect “Hawk Alley” at Lake Henshaw. With wide open areas surrounded by beautiful hills, you will spot raptors such as the Golden Eagle and the Bald Eagle. Winter is the best time to come to this spot, and there is a chance to catch the natural predators hunting gulls, and other wildlife. It’s truly an exhilarating and thrilling experience.
The Anza-Borrego Desert State Park will have you mesmerized as you witness the beautiful desert surroundings with 268 unique species of birds. Look for Lower Willows in Coyote Canyon for particularly marvelous spots. Bow Willow Canyon is Canyon is another favorite of many regulars to the park.
Check out the Dairy Mart Ponds Ecological Reserve, off of I-5. Man made ponds, abandoned by salt mining operations, have become home to many specific of birds, including pelican’s and yellow throat.
Shelter Island, in North San Diego Bay, offers spectacular views of the deep water channels. Here, you can find Surf Scooters, Bufflehead, Auklets, and many other types of birds.
Cabrillo National Monument is a 144 acre park near the Pacific Ocean, showing many different species of birds.
These 10 spots are only some of those loved by bird watchers in San Diego. While they will keep you busy for some time, there are many more available for you to find and explore.
This is a series of articles by Sharyn and Victoria Crown, Downtown San Diego real estate agents.
San Diego, bird watching in Best of San Diego 
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