A Bright Start at Santa Ysabel Preserve West

American Pipit

This past Saturday, we headed to the Santa Ysabel Preserve West Trail near Ramona for a refreshing morning hike. The 5.6-mile trail, with its moderate difficulty and stunning views, offered the perfect mix of challenge and relaxation.

Trail View

Under the sunny November sky, we were excited to see what this picturesque preserve had to offer.

Trail View

Golden Grasslands and Rolling Hills

Trail View

The trail took us through golden grasslands and rolling hills dotted with oaks. The soft rustle of the wind and the crunch of our boots on the path created a soothing rhythm as we walked.

Santa Ysabel Creek

The open landscape was a refreshing change, and the scenery made the hike feel like a peaceful retreat.

Overlook

A Surprise First: The American Pipit

American Pipit

One of the most exciting moments of the hike came when we spotted an American Pipit. It was our first time seeing this charming bird, walking gracefully along the ground. Its soft brown plumage and delicate markings blended perfectly with the grass, but its movement caught our eye. This new sighting made our hike even more special.

Trail View

Birds of Prey in the Sky

Northern Harrier

Throughout the hike, we noticed several majestic birds of prey. A Northern Harrier glided low over the fields, scanning the ground for prey, while a Red-tailed Hawk soared high above, its fiery tail feathers catching the sunlight.

Red-tailed Hawk

Later, an American Kestrel perched on a tree branch, its sharp gaze surveying the surroundings. These raptors added a thrilling dynamic to our journey.

American Kestrel

Sparrows and Meadowlarks

Lark Sparrow

The trail was also home to a variety of sparrows, including a couple of Lark Sparrows with their striking facial patterns and a Vesper Sparrow perched on a fencepost.

Vesper Sparrow

Nearby, a pair of Western Meadowlarks added a splash of yellow to the scene, their cheerful presence complementing the open expanse of the preserve.

Western Meadowlarks

Industrious Acorn Woodpeckers

Acorn Woodpecker

As we continued, we encountered a bustling group of Acorn Woodpeckers preparing for winter. Their bright red caps and energetic antics were a joy to watch as they stashed acorns in tree trunks.

Overlook

The preserve seemed alive with their activity, reminding us of the changing seasons and the rhythm of nature.

Overlook

Phoebes in Action

Black Phoebe

A Black Phoebe and a Say's Phoebe made appearances as well, each showcasing its own style of hunting. The Black Phoebe darted gracefully from its perch, catching insects mid-air, while the Say's Phoebe displayed its rusty belly feathers as it searched for food. These agile flycatchers were delightful companions along the trail.

Say's Phoebe

A Dark-eyed Junco and Final Moments

Dark-eyed Junco

Toward the end of our hike, we spotted a Dark-eyed Junco hopping around in the undergrowth. Its clean gray-and-white plumage stood out against the earthy tones of the trail.

Trail View

It felt like the perfect final sighting, a gentle farewell to a morning filled with birdlife.

Overlook

Conclusion

Overlook

As we wrapped up our hike, we felt a sense of gratitude for the natural beauty of Santa Ysabel Preserve. From the American Pipit to the soaring hawks, each bird added its own charm to our day.

Overlook

The trail’s serene landscapes and lively wildlife made this sunny November morning one to remember.

Cows