Birdathon Outing: Santee Lakes
04/11/2026 02:30 PM - 05:30 PM PT
Category
Public Programs
Admission
- Free
Location
Santee Lakes
9310 Fanita Pkwy
Santee, CA 92071
9310 Fanita Pkwy
Santee, CA 92071
Summary
Count birds for conservation on this unique outing, part of the 2026 San Diego Birdathon!
Description
Saturday, April 11 2:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Santee Lakes
Count birds for conservation on this unique outing, part of the 2026 San Diego Birdathon!
Birdathon is like a walkathon, except instead of counting miles, you count birds! Teams and individuals pick a day between April 10 - May 10 to get outside in San Diego County and try to identify as many species as possible within 24 hours, while raising funds along the way. All funds received help San Diego Bird Alliance's local conservation, education, and advocacy programs benefitting endangered species like the California Least Tern, Light-footed Ridgway's Rail, and Belding's Savannah Sparrow.
On this 3 hour outing, we will endeavor to collectively spot as many species as possible at Santee Lakes, with the help of an expert guide. Birdy people of all ages and skill levels are welcome! Through this outing, we hope to spot 40 species and raise $500 for the birds we love. We encourage participants to share this event with friends and family, who can support the team's effort on the team fundraising page.
Birdathon is like a walkathon, except instead of counting miles, you count birds! Teams and individuals pick a day between April 10 - May 10 to get outside in San Diego County and try to identify as many species as possible within 24 hours, while raising funds along the way. All funds received help San Diego Bird Alliance's local conservation, education, and advocacy programs benefitting endangered species like the California Least Tern, Light-footed Ridgway's Rail, and Belding's Savannah Sparrow.
On this 3 hour outing, we will endeavor to collectively spot as many species as possible at Santee Lakes, with the help of an expert guide. Birdy people of all ages and skill levels are welcome! Through this outing, we hope to spot 40 species and raise $500 for the birds we love. We encourage participants to share this event with friends and family, who can support the team's effort on the team fundraising page.
You can learn more about the 2026 San Diego Birdathon here.
About Santee Lakes:
Santee Lakes is a chain of seven small lakes that are the tail end of a water recycling project begun in1959 as the population of Santee increased dramatically, but their water resources did not. Recycled water runs through the chain of lakes and provides a wonderful resource for both humans and wildlife. Waterfowl of many species winter on or breed at the lakes, and the neighboring riparian habitat abounds in warblers, woodpeckers, sparrows and raptors.
Directions to Santee Lakes:
From Highway 52 going east, exit at the Mast Blvd. off-ramp, turn left to go under the freeway, proceeding east on Mast to Fanita Parkway. Turn left and proceed to the stop sign at Lake Canyon. Turn right and park. Enter the lake area at the walk-in gate and meet in the parking lot by the general store at Lake #5.
2026 Birdathon Outings with SDBA - All Dates
- Robb Field - Saturday April 11, 9am - 12pm
- Santee Lakes - Saturday April 11, 2:30pm - 5:30pm
- Mission Trails - Saturday April 18, 8am - 12pm
- San Elijo Lagoon - Wednesday April 29, 4pm - 6:30pm
- Lake Murray - Thursday May 7, 9am - 12pm