Just eight miles from Steve's mom, the Batiquitos Lagoon Ecological Reserve, is a place we have been meaning to visit for years.
Located within its 544 acres are a variety of habitats which include open water/subtidal, intertidal mudflats, southern coastal salt marsh, coastal brackish marsh, nesting areas, transitional zones, and southern arroyo willow riparian forest. What a unique place to explore! We came for the birds. Over 185 different species make this lagoon their home during the course of the year.Osprey
Great Blue Heron
Not all birds were eager to be found, however.All along the Interpretive Trail are signposts to inform. This one, discussing shell fragments, was very interesting. We noticed a large number of shell pieces on the ground and imbedded in the hillside. This was something completely new to us, a midden: a spot used by local Native Americans as a refuse dump for shellfish shells. Archeologists have found nearly 200 prehistoric sites within a mile of the lagoon.Past land use in the area included ranching, and more recently, recreation. Batiquitos Lagoon was acquired to preserve, protect and maintain the improved coastal wetland habitat and associated species. The property was designated as an ecological reserve by the Fish and Game Commission in 1983.American Wigeon
Western Grebe
“There is an unreasonable joy to be had
from the observation of small birds
going about their bright, oblivious business”
― Grant Hutchison
I could gaze here, under this thatched roof protected bench, for hours and hours. Both Steve and I vowed to visit again with a picnic lunch and no agenda afterward. It is good to be in nature and how lovely to have it found so close to home.
posted under |
2 comments:
I'm going to guess the elusive hiding bird is a Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher. Can't wait to go there with you!
Such a pretty place just right around the corner. I was thinking of going there to take some family pics but my aunt said not to go on the weekend. It is much too crowded. So instead we will stick with our regular plan, the Burns Vista Audubon Society, which is two lagoons closer to us. :)
Love the blue heron. They have so much character.
Post a Comment