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 Tijuana Slough National Wildlife Refuge
Description:
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 spreads
out to meet the sea. The birding habitat includes open water, tidal
salt marsh, brackish lagoons, beach dunes, riparian woods, vernal
pools and upland meadows. The area is surrounded by residential
neighborhoods. 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 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 thru
Sunday, 10am to 5pm.
Western Snowy Plover
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. Happy Birdin’ Trails.
Ed Keenan |
