A Beautiful Day on the Old Coach to Raptor Ridge Trail

Bushtit

Last weekend, we ventured out to hike the Old Coach to Raptor Ridge Trail in San Dieguito River Park. This 4.7-mile moderate trail winds through rolling hills, open fields, and scenic ridgelines, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. With the sun shining brightly and a cool breeze in the air, it was the perfect day for a hike.

Trail View

A Powerful Start

Red-shouldered Hawk

Right at the beginning of our hike, we spotted a Red-shouldered Hawk perched on a tree, scanning the area below. Its rich, warm-toned feathers stood out against the blue sky as it remained completely still, focused on its surroundings. Not far from it, a couple of American Crows called loudly to one another, their voices carrying through the open space.

American Crow

Tiny Travelers

Bushtit

As we continued along the trail, a small flock of Bushtits darted from branch to branch, their tiny bodies moving in unison. They seemed to chatter excitedly as they searched for insects, their energy adding a playful touch to the morning.

Overlook

A Rare Sight: The Merlin

Merlin

One of the most exciting moments of the hike was spotting a Merlin perched on a dead tree. This small but powerful falcon is not always easy to find, and seeing it up close was a real treat. It sat calmly, surveying the area, its sharp eyes locked onto something in the distance.

Trail View

Raptors Along the Ridge

American Kestrel

Further along, we came across an American Kestrel perched on a wire, its rusty-red feathers glowing in the sunlight. This little falcon is always a delight to see, and we watched as it bobbed its head, scanning for prey. As we neared Raptor Ridge, we were lucky to spot a pair of Red-tailed Hawks soaring together high above, their wide wings catching the air as they glided effortlessly.

Red-tailed Hawks

Splashes of Yellow

Lesser Goldfinch

A small group of Lesser Goldfinches flitted among the shrubs, their bright yellow plumage standing out against the greenery. They busily picked at seeds, completely unfazed by our presence. Not far from them, a couple of Cassin’s Kingbirds perched on a wire, their bold yellow bellies adding more color to the landscape.

Cassin’s Kingbird

Hummingbird Magic

Anna’s Hummingbird

Just before we began our return journey, we spotted an Anna’s Hummingbird hovering near a cluster of flowers. Its iridescent feathers shimmered brilliantly in the sunlight as it moved with precision from bloom to bloom, sipping nectar with effortless grace.

Overlook

The Ever-Present Warblers

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Throughout the hike, we saw many Yellow-rumped Warblers darting through the trees. Their quick movements and soft calls were a constant presence, reminding us how lively this landscape is, even in the cooler months.

Overlook

Conclusion

Trail View

As we made our way back to the trailhead, we took one last look at the rolling hills and the golden light stretching across the valley.

Coyote

It had been another fantastic hike filled with great scenery, peaceful moments, and exciting bird sightings. We couldn’t have asked for a better way to spend the day.

Eucalyptus Tree