Birding at San Jacinto Wildlife Area

Sunday, March 16, 2026, 8:00 AM – 11:30 AM (or so)

San Jacinto Wildlife Area

Leaders: Andrew Newmark, Peter Thomas, and others

San Jacinto Wildlife Area is approximately 19,000 acres, with 9,000 acres of restored wetlands. It is the first state wildlife area to utilize reclaimed water to enhance its
wetlands. It is also a birding hotspot with approximately 292 species recorded. Wintering ducks, shorebirds, raptors, wrens, roadrunners, and quail are a few of the many birds found here. At the site we will carpool, following the auto tour route, making stops along the way. Bring water, sunscreen, and a lunch for the time when we go over our bird list. Restrooms and porta-potties are available at the trailheads. Significant rain will cancel the trip (rain makes the roads impassable). Capped at 16 participants.

Google Maps: San Jacinto Wildlife Area, GPS: 33.871171, -117.122016

Directions: From San Diego County take I-15 north, branch to the right on I-215. Proceed on 215 to exit 19 (Nuevo), and go right (East), left on Lakeview, right on Ramona Freeway, then quick left on Davis on the dirt road to the parking lot on the right. (Google Maps gives slightly different directions that that are a slightly shorter distance, but a more involved route. Either way will get you there). Travel time from San Diego should be just a bit over 1 hour, 30 minutes.