Birding Outings: Hollenbeck Canyon Wildlife Area

Sunday, June 29, 2025, 7:00AM – 10:00 AM
Hollenbeck Canyon Wildlife Area
Google Maps: Hollenbeck Wildlife Area, GPS: (approximately) 32.669803, -116.822726
https://maps.app.goo.gl/L72gocbmLUNibT78A
Leaders: Andrew Newmark and Lindsay Willrick

Nestled in the rolling foothills of Jamul, California, the Hollenbeck Canyon Wildlife Area offers a dynamic birding experience across its 6,100 acres of diverse habitats. From coastal sage scrub and chaparral to oak woodlands, riparian forests, freshwater marshes, and grasslands, this ecological tapestry supports a rich variety of bird species. As we traverse the sunlit trails, the trilled whistle of Ash-throated Flycatchers may greet us, while the vibrant Western Bluebird flits among the oaks. In the denser chaparral, we'll listen for the distinctive "chi-ca-go" call of the California Quail, often seen scurrying across the open paths. The riparian zones, with their lush vegetation, is a possible opportunity to observe the elusive Bell’s Vireo, a species slowly benefiting from ongoing habitat restoration efforts in the area. And as always, keep an eye to the sky for soaring Red-tailed Hawks and the occasional Northern Harrier, both of which patrol the open grasslands in search of prey.

NOTE: A CDFW Lands Pass is required for this trail. A day or annual pass can be purchased from the CDFW site here: https://wildlife.ca.gov/licensing/lands-pass
 

Capped at 12 participants.

Directions: From San Diego, proceed east on Highway 94 to Jamul. Continue on Highway 94 (Campo Road) for about 4.5 miles to Honey Springs Road. Turn left onto Honey Springs Road. A small, dirt
parking area on the left provides for visitor day use. Restrooms are limited to a pit toilet in the trailhead parking area. There is very limited shade on this trail and the majority of this walk will be in full sun exposure in an inland area. Please dress appropriately and bring water, hats, and sunscreen. We will have a slightly earlier start time than normal to account for possible warm weather on this walk.