(Thomas Guide: RC 749-B4 / GPS:  33.871171,-117.122016) Rating: Moderate (uneven dirt trails) We will follow the auto tour route and make several stops along the route. Lots of birds.  Always a PAS favorite! Bring a lunch for an after-walk picnic. Directions: From San Diego County take I-15 north through Temecula and take the I-215. Continue north on the I-215.  Exit at the Ramona Expressway right (east).  Continue east to Lakeview (a small town) At the stoplight, turn left (north) on…

(Thomas Guide:1149-E2/GPS:33.077942,-117.116072) Rating:Moderate (paved walkways and dirt trails) We should see waterfowl, shorebirds and a whole host of local residents birds. Directions: From I-15 in Escondido exit at Via Rancho Parkway and drive west to Lake Drive. Turn left and drive about ½-mile. Meet at Del Dios Park across the street from the Country Store. We will first bird around in the parking lot, then drive to the parking lot by the fishing pier.  After birding the area around the…

(Thomas Guide:1066-F7/GPS:33.244789,-117.331083) Rating: Moderate (Uneven dirt paths) Directions: From Hwy 78 west, exit north on El Camino Real and continue to Douglas Drive. From I-5 north 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. Continue west on North River Rd. to the entrance gate at the end. Proceed to the Sanctuary on the dirt road. Disregard the “No Trespassing” Signs. Park at…

(Thomas Guide: 1151-B1 / GPS: 33.077549, -116.987631) Rating: Moderate (dirt trails) We hope to see local residents, which include Cactus Wren, Greater Roadrunner, and a few raptors, possibly the Zone-tailed Hawk. Bring a lunch for an after-birding picnic.  Expect warm weather. Directions: Meet at the Ysabel Creek Rd. trailhead at the intersection Ysabel Creek Rd. & Bandy Canyon Rd. This intersection can be reached from Highland Valley Rd. east off of Pomerado Rd & I-15, or from Hwy 78 east…

(Thomas Guide: (1230-F6) / GPS:  32.839695, -117.041095) Rating: Moderate (uneven dirt trails) This should be prime time for spring migrants. Directions: Take Highway 52 east to the Mast Boulevard. exit in Santee. Turn north/east onto Mast Boulevard. 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…

(Thomas Guide:  1350-D5 / GPS: 32.554229,-117.062579) Rating: Easy to Moderate (Mostly flat dirt trails and some paved walkways) Directions: 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).  Continue a very short distance and meet at the dirt parking lot on your right just before the concrete bridge and next to the large “TJRV County Park” sign with the pond on the west…

(Thomas Guide:  409-E6 / GPS: 33.346322,-117.023846) Rating: Moderate (Mostly dirt trails, parts rocky) Directions: This small wilderness area represents a fine example of oak woodland habitat. Meet in the Wilderness Gardens parking lot, which is about 10 miles east of I-15 on Hwy.76, on the south side of the highway. Look for the “Wilderness Gardens Preserve” sign. Parking fee required, but free with senior County pass.  Porta Pottie by parking lot. Bring a lunch for an after-birding picnic. Expect warm…

(Thomas Guide:((SB 616-J5) / GPS:  34.050398, -116.570646) Rating: Easy (Flat boardwalk) Big Morongo Canyon Preserve is always a spring hotspot and a favorite PAS field trip.  In the caretaker’s yard, several hummingbird and seed feeders attract many bird species for your enjoyment. Birds often found here are Western and Summer Tanagers, Vermilion Flycatchers, Yellow-breasted Chat, and several other more uncommon species. Picnic tables and restrooms are available. Bring a lunch for an after-birding picnic at the bird feeders. Directions to Big…