Birding Outing: Pine Valley Creek with Martha Wild

Leaders:  Martha Wild

This beautiful forested area lies just north of Pine Valley in lower levels of the Cuyamaca Mountains. If the creek permits, we will follow the main trail downstream, with riparian willows grading to oak forest and then pines that march up the sides of the valley. Small pools and grassy areas filled with flowers appear along the stream. The availabilty of water and the diversity of plants provides habitat at this time of year for numerous migrating warblers and flycatchers, along with both mountain and California quail and other birds of the forests and mountains. The terrain is somewhat rugged, with the path winding downhill over roots and branches, and the creek, requiring an uphill return, though it is not very steep. If the creek is too high, we will follow another trail along the other side that stays a bit higher. The trip is planned to be 4 hours, though people may turn back earlier if need be. A $5 day pass for the Cleveland National Forest is required to park at the trailhead.  Capped at 15 participants.

Registration required.