A Drizzly Start to the Day

Northern Harrier

Last weekend, we set out for a morning hike on the Tijuana Estuary Trail, located just south of San Diego. The 4.6-mile trail is flat and easy to follow, winding through coastal wetland habitat rich with wildlife. Though the skies were gray and a light drizzle lingered in the air, we were excited to experience the estuary in this moody, peaceful weather.

Overlook

Tranquil Views Through the Mist

Wild radish

The overcast sky gave the landscape a soft, muted beauty. Mist clung gently to the marsh reeds and distant hills, and the sound of our footsteps on the damp trail was soothing.

Overlook

Despite the drizzle, visibility was good, and the entire area felt calm and undisturbed. It was the kind of day that made the estuary feel like a quiet refuge.

Perennial sea-lavender

A Hummingbird Welcome

Allen’s Hummingbird

Not long into the hike, we were greeted by a flashing blur of copper and green—an Allen’s Hummingbird, hovering near a flowering shrub. Its presence brought a sudden burst of color to the gray morning. A few Savannah Sparrows flitted low across the grasses nearby, their subtle streaks blending nicely with the overcast tones of the trail.

Savannah Sparrow

Wading Birds in the Marsh

American Avocets

As we approached one of the estuary's open water areas, we spotted a small group of American Avocets, their elegant, upturned bills foraging through the shallow water.

Willet

A pair of Willets walked alongside them, pausing occasionally to preen in the drizzle. The muted palette of the day made their movements stand out even more. Nearby, a Eurasian Collared-Dove cooed softly from the ground, adding a familiar sound to the wetland ambiance.

Eurasian Collared-Dove

Raptors and Reeds

Northern Harrier

Off in the distance, we caught sight of a Northern Harrier gliding low over the marsh, its broad wings silent as it searched for prey.

Western Flycatcher

A Western Flycatcher darted from perch to perch, and a Common Yellowthroat popped into view briefly among the reeds, its black mask sharp even in the gray light.

Common Yellowthroat

Melodies from the Brush

Red-winged Blackbird

Though the day was quiet, birdsong still carried through the air. A few Red-winged Blackbirds let out their gurgling calls, while Song Sparrows chimed in with their sweet, descending notes.

Song Sparrow

On a barbed wire, a lone Western Meadowlark sang confidently into the wind, adding a hopeful note to the cloudy scene.

Western Meadowlark

Unexpected Sightings

Western Cattle-Egret

We were surprised and delighted to spot a pair of Western Cattle-Egrets, their snowy feathers puffed against the drizzle. A Whimbrel, with its long, curved bill, moved steadily along a muddy bank, probing the wet ground. The variety of bird life reminded us how vital and active this habitat is, even on slower days.

Whimbrel

A Rail to Remember

Ridgway’s Rail

One of the most exciting moments of the hike was seeing a Ridgway’s Rail emerge briefly from the reeds. These shy, elusive birds are a special find in the estuary, and catching a glimpse of one felt like a reward for staying out despite the weather. It was a short sighting, but one we won’t soon forget.

Overlook

A Quietly Beautiful Morning

Overlook

Our hike at the Tijuana Estuary Trail may have been drizzly and cool, but it offered a refreshing kind of beauty. The subdued light, quiet trails, and abundant birdlife created a peaceful experience we truly enjoyed. It's a reminder that even on gray days, nature always has something wonderful to offer.

Crown Daisy