A Cloudy Start at San Dieguito Lagoon

California Gnatcatcher

Last weekend, we ventured out to the Coast to Crest Trail at the San Dieguito Lagoon near San Diego. The trail, an easy 5.1-mile loop, winds through open wetlands and estuarine habitat.

Overlook

It was a warm and cloudy morning, perfect for a peaceful walk and some great birdwatching.

Mauve honey myrtle

Cliff Swallow Colony

Cliff Swallow

Early into the hike, we came upon a lively colony of Cliff Swallows nesting under the eaves of a bridge. Dozens of swallows zipped back and forth overhead, their mud nests packed tightly together like a bird condo. Watching them dart through the air with such precision was a treat.

Overlook

A Familiar Voice

Northern Mockingbird

Not far from the bridge, the unmistakable sound of a Northern Mockingbird caught our attention. It perched proudly on a fence, cycling through an impressive array of bird songs and calls.

Overlook

Its mimicry always adds a fun and curious moment to any hike.

Overlook

Gnatcatchers Up Close

California Gnatcatcher

One of the highlights of the day was spotting two juvenile California Gnatcatchers flitting among the low coastal shrubs. Their soft gray plumage and long tails made them easy to identify. It was exciting to see them up close—especially since they're considered a sensitive species in this area.

Overlook

Waders in the Wetlands

Great Blue Heron

As we reached the marshy section of the trail, we encountered a mix of Great Blue Herons, a striking Great Egret, and a Yellow-crowned Night Heron standing still in the shallows.

Great Egret

These tall, patient birds always seem to bring a sense of quiet elegance to the wetlands.

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Songs in the Grass

Savannah Sparrow

Further along the path, a Savannah Sparrow sat atop a dry stalk, singing confidently into the breeze. Its yellow eyebrow stood out against the muted tones of the grassland. Moments like that make us stop and simply listen.

Overlook

Shoreline Surprise

Whimbrel

Down near the muddy edge of the water, a lone Whimbrel poked through the wet sand with its long, curved bill. We love seeing shorebirds like this one, especially when they appear so unexpectedly in the middle of our walk.

Fiddler crab

Bright Bursts of Color

Hooded Oriole

The next surprise came in the form of a couple of Hooded Orioles, their brilliant yellow-orange plumage flashing through the trees.

California Towhee

We also saw a friendly California Towhee hopping along the trail’s edge, and a Common Yellowthroat weaving through the reeds, its masked face peeking out from time to time.

Common Yellowthroat

A Full Morning

Overlook

By the time we finished our loop, we had seen a wonderful mix of species and enjoyed the varied scenery the trail offers—open marshes, coastal shrubs, and wooden boardwalks.

Cliff Swallow

The Coast to Crest Trail at San Dieguito Lagoon gave us a peaceful and bird-filled morning, and we left feeling refreshed and recharged.

Perez's sea lavender