A Scenic Adventure Through Crestridge Ecological Reserve

Overlook

Last weekend, we set out for a scenic hike through Crestridge Ecological Reserve near San Diego, CA. Our route combined the Horned Lizard Bypass, Valley View, Red Tail, and Lake View Trail, creating a 4.5-mile loop with rolling hills, sweeping vistas, and peaceful oak woodlands.

Squirrel

The morning started off cloudy, but as the hike progressed, the sun broke through, illuminating the rugged landscape.

Overlook

A Lively Start

Lesser Goldfinch

As we began our hike, we spotted a few Lesser Goldfinches flitting through the trees, their bright yellow plumage adding a splash of color against the gray morning sky.

Trail View

Nearby, a Hutton’s Vireo moved quickly from branch to branch, pausing briefly to sing its soft, bouncy song.

Hutton’s Vireo

Hills and Valley Views

House Finch

The Valley View Trail lived up to its name, offering beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding foothills. Along the way, we saw many House Finches, their cheerful songs filling the air.

Overlook

A Wrentit called from deep within the shrubs, its distinctive bouncing notes echoing across the trail.

Wrentit

Acorn Woodpeckers at Work

Acorn Woodpecker

As we passed through an oak grove, we came across a pair of Acorn Woodpeckers perched on a granary tree, busily tending to their stored acorns. Their bold black-and-white faces and bright red caps stood out against the rough bark.

Overlook

These birds are always fun to watch with their energetic movements and social antics.

Trail View

Sparrow Sightings

White-crowned Sparrows

Further along, we spotted a few White-crowned Sparrows hopping along the trail, their crisp black-and-white head stripes making them easy to identify.

Golden-crowned Sparrow

A Golden-crowned Sparrow foraged nearby, its subtle golden forehead glowing in the sunlight. A Spotted Towhee rustled through the underbrush, flashing its bold black, white, and rusty-orange colors as it searched for food.

Spotted Towhee

Raptors in the Sky

Red-shouldered Hawk

As we hiked along the Red Tail Trail, a Red-shouldered Hawk soared overhead, its reddish-brown plumage glowing against the brightening sky.

Overlook

A little later, we spotted a Red-tailed Hawk circling high above, scanning the landscape below. Their effortless flight was mesmerizing to watch.

Red-tailed Hawk

A Chatty Mockingbird

Northern Mockingbird

Near an open clearing, a Northern Mockingbird perched on a bush, pausing every so often to belt out a medley of songs. These birds are incredible mimics, and we stood for a moment, enjoying its ever-changing performance.

Delta Vetchling

A Northern House Wren darted into view, bobbing its tail as it explored the low vegetation.

Northern House Wren

Common Ravens on the Move

Common Raven

Along the Lake View Trail, we noticed a few Common Ravens gliding through the sky, their deep croaks echoing across the landscape. These intelligent birds often travel in pairs or small groups, and they seemed to be playfully chasing each other on the wind.

Gopher

A Perfect Finish

California Towhee

As we neared the end of our hike, a couple of California Towhees hopped along the trail, their warm brown feathers blending perfectly with the dry earth. With the sun now shining brightly, we took one last look at the rolling hills before heading back.

Trail View

The Crestridge Ecological Reserve had provided yet another beautiful day of hiking, with peaceful trails, stunning views, and plenty of bird activity to keep us entertained.

Cucamonga manroot