A Sunny Sunday on Spooners Mesa

Overlook

We headed out for a recent hike on the Spooners Mesa Trail Loop on a bright and sunny Sunday afternoon. The clear skies and warm light made it an ideal time to be outside and enjoy a quieter stretch of trail near San Diego.

Overlook

A Moderate Loop with Great Flow

Trail View

The 3.2-mile loop offered a solid moderate hike, with enough elevation change to keep things interesting without feeling strenuous. It was the kind of trail that lets you settle into a comfortable rhythm and really enjoy the surroundings.

Overlook

Golden Afternoon Light

Trail View

As the afternoon sun stretched across the mesa, the landscape took on a warm glow. The open views and gentle breeze made the hike feel relaxed and unhurried.

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Towhees and Warblers Along the Path

California Towhees

Early in the hike, we spotted a pair of California Towhees moving through the brush beside the trail. They stayed close to the ground, hopping between shrubs and giving us nice, clear views.

Trail View

In the same area, a few Yellow-rumped Warblers flitted through nearby branches, adding quick flashes of movement and color.

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Gnatcatchers and Sparrows

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

A couple of Blue-gray Gnatcatchers flitted through the shrubs, rarely pausing for long.

Golden-crowned Sparrow

Nearby, we also noticed a mix of sparrows, including a Golden-crowned Sparrow and a few White-crowned Sparrows, adding variety to the bird activity.

White-crowned Sparrow

An Unexpected Roadrunner

Greater Roadrunner

One of the standout moments of the hike was seeing a Greater Roadrunner. It moved confidently across the trail, giving us a memorable and exciting wildlife sighting we won’t soon forget.

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Hummingbirds Everywhere

Anna’s Hummingbirds

Many Anna’s Hummingbirds zipped around the area, catching the sunlight as they darted between flowering plants. Their constant motion brought a lively energy to the hike.

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Raptors Overhead

Red-tailed Hawk

Looking up, we spotted a Red-tailed Hawk soaring high above, along with a Northern Harrier cruising lower over the landscape. Watching them glide effortlessly added a dramatic touch to the afternoon.

Northern Harrier

A Satisfying Way to End the Weekend

Trail View

We finished the Spooners Mesa Trail Loop feeling content and energized. Between the sunshine, the steady trail, and the diverse bird sightings, it was a wonderful way for us to spend a Sunday afternoon together.

African Cornflag