February Field Trips
Saturday—February 4 —8 a.m.—Whelan Lake Monthly Bird Count
Whelan Lake is a bird reserve with a freshwater lake, riparian
edge habitat, grass-covered hillsides, and an oak grove. The
varied habitat results in a nice assortment of bird species in all
seasons, and can be good for interesting sightings during fall
and spring migration.
Directions: I-5 to Hwy. 76 East, left at Douglas and continue to light at North River Rd., left on North River Rd. Meet at the cul-desac at the end of the road by the entrance gate.
Leader: John Haddock, 760-941-7824
Sunday—February 12 —8:00 a.m.—Lake Hodges Bird Walk
Lake Hodges offers a nice variety of bird species attracted to
the lake, its reed and willow fringes, the oak tree woodland
that characterizes much of the Del Dios residential community,
and the adjacent chaparral-covered hillsides. Western and
Clark’s grebes breed at the
lake throughout the year, and
birders have a good chance of
seeing them doing their distinctive
courtship dance
across the surface of the lake.
Directions: From I-5, take
Encinitas Blvd. east into the heart of Rancho Santa Fe. The
road changes names from Encinitas Blvd. to Rancho Santa Fe
Rd., La Bajada, Los Morros, and finally La Granada. Turn left
on Paseo Delicias and continue east as the road name changes
to Escondido Del Dios Hwy. Turn right on Rancho Dr. and
proceed a couple of blocks to Hernandez’ Hideaway on Lake
Drive in Del Dios. We’ll meet in the parking lot across the
street from the restaurant.
Leader: Steve Brad, 760-633-1639; stevebrad1@earthlink.net.
Saturday—February 25 —8 a.m.—Buena Vista Lagoon Bird Count
Become a citizen scientist! Join the regular
monthly bird survey team and get to know the Buena Vista
Lagoon. This monthly bird survey has been conducted by
BVAS for many years, and the extensive database of bird
sightings will be a factor for consideration as officials continue
to study the best approach for managing, maintaining,
and restoring this ecological reserve.
Directions: I-5 to I-78 East, take Jefferson St. exit, turn right and make another right turn onto Lagoon View Dr. Park along road at cul-de-sac.
Leader: Joan Fountain, 760-729-1379.
Saturday—February 25—8:30 a.m.—Basic Birding Class at the Buena Vista Lagoon Landing
Are you interested in learning a little more about the birds of
our lagoon? Join the friendly group of fledgling birders that
regularly turn out for Tom Troy’s basic birding class at
Buena Vista Lagoon on the last Saturday of each month.
Everyone is invited to join the class for some informal, nopressure
birding and lots of friendly tips.
Directions: I-5 to I-78 East. From I-78, take Jefferson St. exit and go right to the light on Jefferson St. Turn right again and make an immediate right turn into the BV Landing parking lot.
Leader: Tom Troy, 760-420-7328.
Ramona Hawk Watch
Each Saturday in February—9:00 am to noon
Wildlife Research
Institute
is again offering
its popular
Hawk Watch
program each
Saturday during
January and
February from 9
a.m. to noon.
This free event
allows visitors
to see many of
the raptor species that use the grasslands and wooded areas
around Ramona for breeding or wintering grounds. Join
guides on a raptor field trip, see a hawk banding operation at
close hand, and view displays in the WRI nature center.
Location: WRI headquarters, 18030 Highland Valley Rd.,
Ramona. For more info: 760-789-3992.
San Diego Bird Festival
March 1-4, 2012
________________________________
BVAS Field Trip Info Line
Check out the new
BVAS phone-in service
for last-minute information
about scheduled field trips.
Call the hotline number to
hear a recorded message
giving the latest information
about dates, locations,
directions, and times for
upcoming field trips.
760-688-0660
Heavy rain cancels field trips
Birders of all skill levels are always welcome to join us!
