Tijuana Slough National Wildlife Refuge, a salt water marsh in Southern California.
 Sign up below for the "Burro Express" E-newsletter for updates on Southwest Events, Travel & Lifestyle news, Hot Deals, Contests and more! |
Birdin’ Trails Hither ‘n Yon
By Cowboy Poet Ed Keenan
Tijuana Slough National Wildlife Refuge
The Tijuana Slough National Wildlife Refuge is the largest salt-water marsh in Southern California. It is the only southern California coastal lagoon that is not bisected by roads and rail lines. The wildlife estuary and refuge covers more than 2,000 acres and is home to a number of endangered species of birds. It is a lovely estuary of marshes formed by the Tijuana River as it flows to meet the sea. The birding habitat includes open water, tidal salt marsh, beach dunes, riparian woods, vernal pools and upland meadows. The area is surrounded by residential neighborhoods.
Over 370 species of birds have been recorded on the refuge and in the adjacent river valley. The endangered California Least Tern, Least Bell’s Vireo, California Brown Pelican, Light-footed Clapper Rail can all be found on the refuge. The Western Snowy Plover, a threatened species, is a year round resident and nests on refuge beaches. If you look carefully, the reclusive Light-footed Clapper Rail can be spotted from the sidewalk on South Seacoast Drive along the edge of the estuary during high tides. That is when it is difficult for them to hide.
There is an information center where you can pick up a birding checklist and trail a map that wanders you around the north side of the preserve. The North and South McCoy trails lead visitors into prime bird-watching areas and to the mouth of the Tijuana River. Trails are open daily, sun up to sun down. This is one birding spot that you should not miss!
Directions: The Tijuana Slough National Wildlife Refuge is situated just a few miles to the south of San Diego, on the international border between California and Mexico. From north: Take I-5 South to Imperial Beach, take the Coronado Avenue exit (not the Coronado Bridge). Turn right, and continue approximately 2.5 miles. (About 13th street, Coronado Avenue becomes Imperial Beach Blvd; continue straight ahead). Turn left on 3rd Street and left on Caspian Way to the parking lot. Parking is free. The Visitor Center is open Wednesday through Sunday, 10am to 5pm.
Other Articles in this series:
Afoot or Horseback
Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge
Cow Chip/
Cowboy Poetry - For a poem,
click here.
Cow Chip Poetry - Lies, Lingo and Lore by Southwest Cowboy Poet, Ed
Keenan. This is an entertaining collection of cowboy poetry with an
extensive 'Glossary of Cowboy Lingo'. Great gift - perfect for trail
rides, cookouts, campouts. Contact Arroyo Press, (888) 784-8282, PO Box
1028, Vista CA, 92085.
www.SouthwestBlend.com/cowchippoetry
| HOME | EXPLORE BY STATE | CITIES & TOWNS |
| ART & CRAFTS | BODY, MIND & SPIRIT | BOOKS & POETRY |
| BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL | ECO & EARTH FRIENDLY | EVENTS CALENDAR |
| FASHION, BEAUTY & SPA | FOOD & DRINK | HISTORY & HERITAGE |
| HOLIDAYS & OBSERVANCES | HOME & GARDEN | KID'S KORNER & FAMILY GUIDE |
| MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT | NATURE, WILDLIFE & SCIENCE | RECREATION & SPORTS |
| SHOPPING & DISCOUNTS | TRAVEL DESTINATIONS | WEDDING & EVENT PLANNING |
| ARTICLE ARCHIVES & SITE MAPS | SUBJECT GUIDES | SITE MAPS, GLOSSARIES & FAQ |
| ABOUT US | CONTACT US | SUBMIT EVENT |
| SUBMIT PRESS RELEASE | THE BURRO EXPRESS ELETTER | CHAMPAGNE SUNDAYS RADIO SHOW |
| OUR BLOG | GET REPRESENTED ON OUR SITE | FROM OUR READERS |
|
This site developed by Free Spirit Promotions™, publishers of the Southwest Blend™, no part of it may be reproduced for any reason, with out written permission. © from 1998, SouthwestBlend.com™, The Blend Magazine.com™, Southwest Blend Annual Guide™. PO Box 1256, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277 |
||