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SOUTH BAY
Dairy Mart Ponds - The word, Pond, comes from the place's origin as an old sand mining operation. The word, Dairy Mart, refers to the old dairy that used to operate in the South Bay area. The whole region is now maintained and managed by the San Diego County Parks Department. The trails are easy to moderate. Be sure to bring water since there are no potable facilities.
Directions: Take I-5 south past Imperial Beach to the Dairy Mart Road exit. Turn right on Dairy Mart Road and head to the ponds. Park anywhere along the road or in the parking area just past the Pond.
Lagoon Birds
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Tijuana River Estuarine Reserve - This is a place that attracts a number of people from around the world that come to explore this expansive coastal marsh located right near the US-Mexico border. There is a very good Interpretive Nature Center located across across the marsh at the north edge. There is plenty of information about the kinds of flora and fauna that can be found at this government protected reserve. The trails are easy and look-outs are available to allow maximum coverage and minimum damage. Water and restrooms are located at the Nature Center.
Directions: Go south on I-5 to the Coronado Avenue exit in Imperial Beach. Go west on Coronado Avenue. This then becomes Imperial Beach Boulevard. Follow it all the way to Seacoast Drive. Turn left and find the available parking spaces on the east side of the street.
Sweetwater River - Another large expansive riparian area awaits birders in the South Bay. The river area also features open fields and plenty of chaparral. The Sweetwater River is part of the National Wildlife Refuge, and is protected mightily from encroachment. It will not take birders long to see some of San Diego's best birding areas. However the hike is strenuous if you want to reach the Sweetwater River Reservoir. Although there are no water or restroom facilities, plenty of restaurants are located nearby.
Directions: Take Freeway 94 east to Jamacha Junction. Turn right and go east on Highway 94 toward Jamul to Singer Lane on the right just before the Old Steel Bridge. Drive in on Singer Lane , turn left and park near the old bridge. The trail is marked by large rocks on the right just past the bridge. Belive it or not, the trail goes all the way to the Sweetwater reservoir (about four miles).
South Bay - South Bay is part of a fairly new National Wildlife Refuge that preserves and is restoring the remaining wetlands, mudflats and eel grass beds of the area. The refuge boundary is 3,940 acres. Be prepared for moderate hiking and the sad reality of no water or restroom facilities!
Directions: Take I-5 south to the Palm Avenue exit in Imperial Beach. Go west to Delaware and turn right. Turn right onto 8th Street. Drive left on 8th Street to Boulevard Avenue. Parking is available on side streets and on Delaware.
NORTH COUNTY
San Elijo Lagoon - This North County lagoon is a good spot to conduct birding all year 'round. The site is especially good for shorebirds at low tide. The trails are easy and conditions are mild. Restrooms and water are located at the Interpretive Center (see map).
Directions: Take I-5 to Lomas Santa Fe Drive in Solana Beach. Go west less than one mile to Rios Avenue. Turn right and go all the way to the end of Rios. Park at the end of the street near the barricade.
Buena Vista Lagoon - This beautiful coastal lagoon is half in Oceanside and half in Carlsbad. The Nature Center onsite can also get you directions to the several other lagoons just south of Buena Vista (good view). You can also drive down South Coast Highway and stop at the numerous beaches and lagoons along the San Diego County coast.
Directions: From I-5, exit at Vista Way and go west toward the ocean a few blocks to South Coast Highway. Turn left and continue until you see the Buena Vista Audubon Nature Center on your left (2202 South Coast Highway, Oceanside).
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