Bird Walks South San Diego Bay Wildlife Refuge and the South Bay Salt Works Group B
The South Bay Salt Works has over 20 salt ponds used to extract salt from seawater by evaporation. This area is normally closed to the public, except for once-per-month guided walks led by San Diego Audubon docents during the bird non-breeding fall and winter months. We will learn about the history of the salt works and the process of obtaining salt from nature. We will look to see birds, including Peregrine Falcon, Gulls, Terns, and Belding’s Savannah Sparrow, as well as returning to winter shorebird and duck species. There is a choice of walks on flat terrain. Please read the short descriptions of the different group offerings and register for the specific group that you prefer. Group A.) “Shorter Walk” Leaders: Chris Staurovsky and Rich Breisch. Total distance: 2.5 - 4 miles depending upon route/ 3 hours out and back on flat, easy terrain. Group B.) “Longer Walk” Leaders: Peter and Millie Thomas, and Group C.) “Longer Walk” Leaders: John Bruin and 1 other. Groups B and C will follow a route that follows the full perimeter of the levees with views of the outside ponds and the south end of the San Diego Bay. Total distance: about 5 miles/4 hours. NOTE: No restrooms close to the trailhead, and no early exit from the walk (the gates will be locked after we enter). N.B. Please assess your ability to cope with these limitations. No exceptions. Participation is capped at 12 participants in each of the 3 groups.
