San Diego Bird Guide

05/29/2026

05/29/2026

This stealthy hunter was cruising the shallows of Walmart Pond until an ebiker rode between me and the bird. Great Blue Herons are always a fun sighting. I spotted this one as I was getting a tire repaired at the local shop.

05/27/2026

This Turkey Vulture is one of about 20 that roost at Poway Lake Park each night. Turkey Vultures are known for their communal roosts, some of which have been active for decades.

05/27/2026

This Oak Titmouse was bouncing around at Oakoasis County Park in Lakeside. Tons of personality crammed into ounces of weight, the Oak Titmouse is always fun to see. I usually hear them first as their calls are quite loud. This species is highly sought after by visiting birders, due to its limited range. Come out to San Diego’s East County and add this bird to your life list!

05/23/2026

This guy was singing out on El Monte Road last night. Western Screech Owls can be hard to find, but since I found a pair here two years ago they have been faithfully at this spot. Western Screech Owls feed on a variety of small creatures, from medium sized insects to small rodents and birds.

05/23/2026

Our year round resident kingbird species here in San Diego. The dark gray head combined with the white mustache mark and the white tip on the tail separates this from the Western Kingbird, which is a spring and summer breeding species here. Cassin’s Kingbirds can be quite vocal. I usually hear their loud Cheerbreer! calls before I see them.

05/22/2026

Two Brown-headed Cowbirds at Poway Lake Park. Famous for being brood parasites of small songbird species. I’ve noticed a slight uptick in numbers here in San Diego the past few years, although scientific records show they are in a decline. Things working against them include re-forestation of previously cleared areas and agricultural shifts.

05/21/2026

Brewer’s Blackbird male struts his stuff at Poway Lake Park. My observations over the past 50 years have declined on this species. Seems like I used to see them everywhere. Now I have to go to certain locations to find them. A quick google check just now showed me a population decline of 57% between 1967 and 2019. They prefer to be near water, so when I’m looking for them the eBird hotspot usually includes “Lake” in the name.🙂