Audubon Trek Isn’t Just for the Birds

A chance to trek through the San Jacinto Wildlife Area--with its mosaic of habitats that makes it attractive to a variety of birds and other animals--is being offered Saturday.

South Coast Audubon, one of two Orange County chapters of the National Audubon Society, will lead a trip to the Riverside County preserve, which encompasses almost 5,000 acres, including wetlands areas in the process of restoration and rolling hills with grasslands and pristine coastal sage scrub areas.

As many as 160 bird species have been counted in a single day, boasting the highest totals of any Audubon inland bird count. Overall, 240 different bird species have been seen at the preserve.

Winter is a particularly good time for birding because of the populations of wintering water fowl and raptors, including bald eagles, that can be seen there. But that’s not all.

“We should see a lot more than birds out there,” said trip coordinator Judi Vrana. Seen at the preserve, along with the birds, have been 38 mammal species, 32 reptile species and seven amphibian species.

The endangered Stephen’s kangaroo rat is one of the mammals that makes its home in the park. Burrows can be seen throughout dirt roads and fields, but because the rodent is nocturnal, none are likely to be seen during the morning walk. Another creature living in holes in the ground is the burrowing owl, once common to Orange County but now all but driven out by development.

Also rating high marks is the scenery, with spectacular views of snow-capped San Jacinto and San Gorgonio peaks.

The preserve is a regular destination for South Coast Audubon, and beginning birders are welcome.

“We have a lot of non-advanced birders in our group,” Vrana said.

Reservations for the guided walk are not required. It is recommended that participants wear sturdy walking shoes, dress warmly and take water, lunch, binoculars and a bird field guide. The walk will start at 8 a.m. and will end around noon with a group lunch. Participants can stay on through the afternoon for self-guided walks.

One caution: Rain in the days before the trip could force a rescheduling.

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What: South Coast Audubon field trip to San Jacinto Wildlife Area. When: Saturday, Feb. 26, at 8 a.m. Where: San Jacinto Wildlife Area, Riverside County. Whereabouts: Take the Riverside (91) Freeway east to Riverside, then head east on the Pomona (60) Freeway. Exit at Theodore Street and go south; when the paved road turns, continue straight on the dirt road to the preserve gates, about 3 1/2 miles. Wherewithal: Park entry is $2.50 per person. Where to call: Judi Vrana, (714) 582-1776.