Exploring Sweetwater on a Cloudy Morning

Least Bell’s Vireo

Last weekend, we set out for a peaceful hike on the Sweetwater Trail Loop near Spring Valley, CA. The 3.0-mile trail is easy in difficulty, making it perfect for a relaxed morning in nature.

Trail View

Although the skies were cloudy, the warm air and soft light gave the landscape a calm, quiet charm.

Trail View

A Serene Start

Trail View

As we began our walk, the trail opened up to views of the surrounding hills and scattered shrubs. The stillness of the morning was only broken by birdsong—always a welcome soundtrack.

California Buckwheat

The path was well-maintained and made for an easy stroll, letting us focus on the scenery and the wildlife around us.

Trail View

Goldfinches and Finches Galore

House Finch

Early on, we spotted a group of House Finches fluttering between the trees. Not far from them, many Lesser Goldfinches were darting through the brush, their yellow feathers catching what little sunlight broke through the clouds.

Trail View

Their energy was contagious and brightened the start of our hike.

Lesser Goldfinch

Woodpeckers and Hummingbirds

Nuttall’s Woodpecker

A Nuttall’s Woodpecker made a sudden appearance, clinging to the side of a tree and tapping away with purpose.

Anna’s Hummingbird

Meanwhile, Anna’s Hummingbird and Allen’s Hummingbird hovered around flowering plants, flashing bits of iridescent color as they fed. It was a lively little corner of the trail.

Allen’s Hummingbird

Sparrow Sightings

Song Sparrow

We saw a couple of Song Sparrows, along with a Rufous-crowned Sparrow moving among the low shrubs. Their distinctive calls helped us pick them out before we even saw them.

Rufous-crowned Sparrow

A few California Towhees were scratching the ground nearby, adding to the activity in the understory.

California Towhee

Wren, Phoebe, and Bushtits

Northern House Wren

A Northern House Wren popped up along the edge of the trail, singing its bold little song from a perch. Bushtits moved in their usual tight group, always on the go.

Bushtit

Nearby, a Black Phoebe watched the water’s edge, occasionally darting out for an insect. It was wonderful to see so many species in one small stretch.

Black Phoebe

A Covey and a Kingbird

California Quail

We were lucky enough to catch sight of a California Quail, with its signature topknot bobbing as it moved through the rocks.

Trail View

A Cassin’s Kingbird later perched on a branch, giving us a great view of its yellow belly and gray back. It called loudly, as if announcing its presence to the whole canyon.

Cassin’s Kingbird

A Rare and Special Sighting

Least Bell’s Vireo

The highlight of the hike came when we saw a Least Bell’s Vireo—our first ever sighting of this small, endangered bird. We stood quietly and watched it flit through the foliage. Knowing how rare it is made the moment feel even more special. It was a quiet thrill neither of us will soon forget.

Trail View

Wrapping Up the Loop

Trail View

The trail eventually looped us back to where we began, and we took one last look across the landscape before heading out. Despite the overcast sky, the Sweetwater Trail Loop offered plenty of light and life.

Overlook

Between the variety of birds and the easy, scenic path, it turned out to be a wonderful way to spend our morning together.

Wild geranium