GPS:  33.166138,-117.052495 Rating: Moderate to Difficult (steep hill, uneven dirt trails, paved walkways) Directions: 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 … Continue reading →

(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 … Continue reading →

 GPS: 33° 32.603', -117° 16.228') Rating: Moderate (dirt trail, some hills) The Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve, located at the southern end of the Santa Ana Mountains in southwest Riverside County near the city of Murrieta, is a hidden gem … Continue reading →

(GPS:  34.050398, -116.570646) Rating: Easy (Flat boardwalk) (NOTE: Later Start Time due to travel distance) NOTE:   Big Morongo Canyon Preserve is always a spring hotspot and a favorite PAS field trip.  Several hummingbird and seed feeders attract many bird species … Continue reading →

GPS:  32.839695, -117.041095) Rating: Moderate (uneven dirt trails) This should be prime time for spring migrants.  Porta-poddy in the parking lot. Expect warm weather. Directions: Take Highway 52 east to the Mast Boulevard. exit in Santee. Turn north/east onto Mast … Continue reading →

 GPS: 33.003535,-117.272469 Rating: Moderate (Dirt Trail, some hills) Bring a scope, if you have one.   This is a good spot to view wintering waterfowl and shorebirds. Directions: Take I-5 to Lomas Santa Fe Drive. Go west to North Rios Avenue. … Continue reading →

GPS: 33.080179,-117.060199 Rating: Easy (Level, paved walkways, dirt trail, and grass) Woodland, riparian, and open-area habitats will usually get us a nice list of resident birds. Directions: From I-15 in Escondido, exit east on Via Rancho Parkway (which becomes Bear … Continue reading →

(Thomas Guide: 1271-J6 / GPS: 32.734503, -116.941048) Rating: Moderate to Difficult (uneven dirt trails) This area is a rich stream habitat surrounded by native chaparral and sage scrub. Directions: From I-5, I-805, or I-15, take Hwy. 94 east; stay on Hwy. 94 as … Continue reading →

(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 at the close-by SD Archaeological Center.  … Continue reading →

GPS: 32.853641, -116.435702 Rating: Moderate to Hard (dirt trails, parts rocky, parts some incline, cross a stream) Directions: We will meet at the old parking area for Agua Dulce Creek Group camp. Driving east on I-8, and after Pine Valley, … Continue reading →

GPS: 32.575333,-117.125695 Rating: Moderate (Paved, boardwalk, and dirt trails) Good location for Yellow-crowned Night-heron and Ridgway's Rail.  Bring scope if you have one. Directions: Travel south on I-5 from San Diego and exit west on Coronado Avenue, which becomes Imperial … Continue reading →

(Thomas Guide:  429- L3 / GPS: 32.95947,-116.57924) Rating: Moderate to Hard (roads, dirt trails, parts rocky, parts steep incline) Directions: From San Diego, take I-8 east and exit north on Hwy 79.  Continue approximately 12 miles to the Paso Pacacho Campground on … Continue reading →

GPS:  33.341822,-116.901355 Rating: Moderate (uneven mountain trail, elevation climb) Directions: This field trip will start from the parking lot at Doane Pond. Leave the Escondido area before 7 a.m. From I-15, take Highway 76 east to Highway S6, north to Palomar … Continue reading →

 GPS: 33.040154, -116.593526 Rating: Moderate to Hard (roads, dirt trails, parts rocky, parts steep incline) Directions: From Escondido take Hwy 78 east (from San Diego take Hwy 67 east) to Ramona, then Hwy 78 toward Julian, past Santa Ysabel.  After … Continue reading →