Newsletter - July 2025

Wild Birds Unlimited - San Diego Events:

July Events:

July 19th at 10:00 AM - We are extremely excited to welcome Andrew Meyer, Director of Conservation at the San Diego Bird Alliance as a guest presenter to our store!  He will talk about the Ridgway's Rail, a cryptic and cute endangered bird that lives in tidal marshes in Southern California, and the project underway (ReWild Mission Bay) to better understand the rails’ use of the marsh.  Please join us for this captivating and educational talk!
 

Quote of the Month:  

The sound of birds stops the noise in my mind - Carly Simon


Spotlight:
 
The Light-footed Ridgway’s Rail: San Diego’s Secretive Marsh Sentinel

Nestled within the coastal wetlands of Southern California, the light-footed Ridgway’s Rail (Rallus obsoletus levipes) stands as a symbol of resilience and the delicate balance of our marsh ecosystems. This elusive bird, once known as the Light-footed Clapper Rail, is a federally endangered species that has become a focal point for conservation efforts in San Diego and beyond.

What Is the Light-footed Ridgway’s Rail?

The light-footed Ridgway’s Rail is a hen-sized marsh bird, measuring approximately 14 inches in length. It boasts long legs and toes, a slightly down-curved beak, and a short, upturned tail. Its plumage features a cinnamon-colored breast, a grayish-brown back with streaks, and gray and white barred flanks. Both males and females share this distinctive appearance.


Where Does It Live?

This rail species is primarily found in the coastal salt marshes, lagoons, and maritime environments of Southern California and parts of Mexico. In San Diego, key habitats include the Tijuana River Estuary, Kendall-Frost Marsh in Mission Bay, and the Sweetwater Marsh Unit. These birds nest in the lower littoral zones of salt marshes, favoring dense stands of cordgrass. They require shallow waters and mudflats for foraging, with adjacent higher vegetation providing cover during high tides.

Fun Facts
  • Elusive Nature: The Ridgway’s Rail is notoriously secretive, often heard rather than seen. Its distinctive "kek-kek-kek" call is a telltale sign of its presence in the marshes.
  • Specialized Feet: Their long toes are adapted to walking on soft, uneven marsh substrates, allowing them to navigate through dense vegetation and mudflats with ease.
  • Diet: These birds are opportunistic feeders, consuming a variety of invertebrates, small fish, and plant matter found within their wetland habitats.
Challenges Facing the Ridgway’s Rail
 
The light-footed Ridgway’s Rail faces numerous threats that have led to its endangered status:
  • Habitat Loss: Urban development, agriculture, and infrastructure projects have led to significant reductions in coastal wetland areas. It's estimated that less than 50% of California's original coastal wetlands remain.
  • Pollution: Contaminants from urban runoff and industrial activities degrade water quality, affecting the health of the marsh ecosystems these birds depend on.
  • Invasive Species: Non-native plants like hybrid Spartina can alter the structure of marsh habitats, making them unsuitable for nesting and foraging.
  • Climate Change: Rising sea levels and increased storm frequency threaten to inundate nesting sites and alter the delicate balance of salt and freshwater in marshes.
Conservation Efforts in San Diego
 
Several organizations are actively working to protect and restore Ridgway’s Rail populations:
  • San Diego Bird Alliance: This organization supports federal legislation aimed at coastal wetland protection and restoration. They also advocate for projects like ReWild Mission Bay, which seeks to restore natural habitats in the area. 
  • The Living Coast Discovery Center: Through their Ridgway’s Rail Propagation Program, over 1,000 rails have been bred and introduced into the wild since 2001. They also engage the public in conservation through education and outreach.
  • San Diego River Park Foundation: Their Ocean Beach Estuary Enhancement Project focuses on habitat restoration, invasive species management, and community engagement to support species like the Ridgway’s Rail.
Broader Conservation Initiatives
 
Beyond San Diego, efforts are underway to protect Ridgway’s Rail populations:
  • Invasive Spartina Project: In the San Francisco Bay Area, this project monitors and manages invasive Spartina species to restore native marsh habitats, benefiting the Ridgway’s Rail.
  • Captive Breeding and Release: Organizations like the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance have successfully bred and released juvenile rails into protected areas, such as the Batiquitos Lagoon Ecological Reserve, to bolster wild populations.
How You Can Help
 
Individuals can contribute to the conservation of the Ridgway’s Rail in several ways:
  • Support Wetland Conservation: Advocate for and support initiatives aimed at protecting and restoring coastal wetlands.
  • Volunteer: Participate in local habitat restoration projects and educational programs offered by conservation organizations.
  • Reduce Pollution: Minimize the use of single-use plastics and properly dispose of chemicals to prevent contamination of waterways.
  • Educate Others: Raise awareness about the importance of wetland ecosystems and the species that depend on them.
Here are some local organizations that offer volunteer opportunities that directly contribute to preserving this endangered species and its habitat:
 
San Diego Bird Alliance

The San Diego Bird Alliance organizes various volunteer activities aimed at protecting the Ridgway’s Rail and other native birds. Opportunities include:
  • Wander the Wetlands Work Parties: Participate in habitat restoration efforts at Kendall-Frost Marsh, such as invasive plant removal and trash cleanup.
  • Docent Programs: Serve as a guide to educate visitors about the importance of wetland ecosystems and the species that inhabit them.
  • Field Surveys: Assist in monitoring bird populations, including the Ridgway’s Rail, in various habitats.
To learn more or sign up, visit their Volunteer Overview Page or contact their Volunteer Coordinator at [email protected].

The Living Coast Discovery Center

Located in Chula Vista, the Living Coast Discovery Center offers volunteer roles that support conservation efforts for the Ridgway’s Rail and other local wildlife. Opportunities include:
  • Animal Care: Assist with the care of animals, including species involved in conservation programs.
  • Habitat Restoration: Participate in projects aimed at restoring and maintaining native habitats.
  • Educational Outreach: Engage with the public to raise awareness about conservation issues.
To apply or learn more, visit their Volunteer Opportunities Page.

San Diego River Park Foundation

This organization focuses on the health of the San Diego River and its surrounding ecosystems, which are crucial habitats for the Ridgway’s Rail. Volunteer opportunities include:
  • River Clean-Ups: Help remove trash and debris from the river and its banks.
  • Habitat Restoration: Engage in planting native species and removing invasive plants.
  • River Assessment Field Team (RAFT): Participate in field surveys to monitor river health.
To get involved, visit their Volunteer Page or check out upcoming events on their Volunteer Event Calendar.

The light-footed Ridgway’s Rail serves as a sentinel for the health of our coastal wetlands. By understanding the challenges it faces and supporting conservation efforts, we can ensure that this unique bird continues to thrive in San Diego and beyond.

You can hear more about this very special bird and what the San Diego Bird Alliance is doing to help on Saturday, July 19th at 10:00 AM in the Wild Birds Unlimited Store!
 
 

Bird of the Month:  House Finch

  Santa Barbara Botanical Gardens, Santa Barbara, California

Fun Facts About the House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus):

Feather Coloration and Appearance
  • Variable Red Plumage: The intensity of a male House Finch’s red color is directly related to its diet. Birds that consume more carotenoid-rich foods like red peppers, strawberries, and certain berries will display brighter reds. Those with lower carotenoids may appear pale orange or even yellow.
    (Sources: All About Birds, Audubon, Lyric Bird Food)
  • “Yellow Finches” Are Still House Finches: Occasionally, males will be golden-yellow due to a lack of red pigments in their diet. This is common in areas where certain berry or fruit sources aren’t available.
  • Female Plumage: Females are brown and streaked, making them ideal for camouflage while incubating eggs.

Range and Adaptation
  • Originally a Western Bird: Native to the western U.S. and Mexico, House Finches were introduced to New York in 1940 from the pet trade. They have now spread across the Eastern Seaboard and throughout North America.
  • High Adaptability: They thrive in urban areas, farms, forests, and suburban environments.
  • Present in Hawaii: Introduced before 1870, these finches quickly adapted and became common across the islands. In Hawaii, males often have pale orange or yellow plumage due to the scarcity of carotenoid-rich foods.

Feeding and Diet
  • Primarily Vegetarian: House Finches have a unique vegetarian tendency, with roughly 97% of their diet consisting of plant material (fruit, seeds, berries, flower petals, and buds).
  • Hummingbird Feeder Guests: They will sometimes drink sugar water intended for hummingbirds.
  • Feeding Young: Unusual among songbirds, House Finches feed their chicks exclusively with regurgitated seeds and plant matter. Very rarely do they consume or feed their young any insects.

Songs and Calls
  • Distinctive Song: Males have a long, rambling warble that can last approximately three seconds. The song often ends with a sharp, rising or falling “cheeeep” sound.
  • Year-round Singing: Unlike many species that only sing during breeding seasons, House Finches often vocalize throughout the year.
  • Female Responses: Females can also vocalize softly, making a “cheep” call to communicate.

Nesting and Breeding
  • Nesting Habits: They will nest in hanging flower baskets, roof ledges and other artificial structures, open trees, palm fronds, and dense shrubbery. Females build the nest.
  • Nesting Materials: Nests are made of grass, twigs, leaves, feathers, and fine plant material.
  • Number of Broods: They will raise 2–4 broods per year across the breeding season.
  • Incubation Period: Eggs hatch roughly 13–14 days after being laid.
  • Fledging Period: Young finches leave the nest roughly 11–19 days after hatching.
  • Courtship Ritual: The male may feed the female during courtship, strengthening their bond.

Population and Health
  • Common and Abundant: Despite disease outbreaks, House Finches remain widespread across North America, and their status is listed as “Least Concern” by the IUCN.
  • House Finch Eye Disease: An epidemic of Mycoplasmal conjunctivitis appeared in the 1990s, causing eye swelling and discomfort. The disease significantly impacted Eastern House Finches, prompting studies by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and other institutions.

Behavior and Social Life
  • Roosting Together: They frequently roost in communal spots, providing warmth and protection from predators.
  • Non-migratory in the West: They stay within their range throughout the year, making them ideal guests for San Diego area feeders.
  • Flock Behavior: they will form flocks with other finches and sparrows, especially when feeding.

Tips for Attracting House Finches
  • Best Feed: Sunflower chips, nyjer seed, and quality mixed birdseed.
  • Feeder Styles: Tube feeders, hopper feeders, and platforms work well.
  • Provide Fresh Water: They consume water frequently, making bird baths a vital resource.
  • Add Plants for Nesting: Hang baskets or leave dense shrubs for nesting spots.

Why We Love Them Here in San Diego
  • Year-round Residents: Thanks to the mild climate and abundance of natural food and feeders.
  • Cheerful, Friendly Birds: Their songs and calls brighten any garden.
  • Perfect for Beginning Birders: Common, colorful, and adaptable, making them ideal for backyard observations.

Additional Fun Facts
  • Hawaiian Nickname: Known as the “papaya bird” due to its tendency to feed on the fruit.
  • West vs. East Populations: Eastern birds tend to migrate for the winter, while western populations (like those in San Diego) stay put year-round.
  • Shared Parental Roles: Males often help feed the young after they hatch, making them a model of cooperative parenting.
 

What’s happening in San Diego: 

San Diego Bird Alliance (formerly San Diego Audubon Society)

  • Restoration with San Diego River Park Foundation
    • Date: July 8, 2025
    • Time: 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM
    • Location: Ocean Beach – Dog Beach, 5156 W Point Loma Blvd, San Diego
    • Event Link
  • Queer Hike:  Sunset Trails Evening Hike
    • Date: July 9, 2025
    • Time: 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
    • Location: Del Dios Community Park 20175 Lake Dr. Escondido
    • Event Link
  • Friends of Famosa Slough Work Party
    • Date: July 12, 2025
    • Time: 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
    • Location: Famosa Slough, 4285 W. Pt. Loma Blvd, San Diego 
    • Event Link
  • Wander the Wetlands: Fish Seining
    • Date: July 12, 2025
    • Time: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
    • Location: Kendall Frost Marsh, Crown Point Drive, San Diego
    • Event Link
  • PWP Hike – Pond Hill
    • Date: July 13, 2025
    • Time: 9:00 AM
    • Location: South Creek Park, 12259 Wickerbay Cove, San Diego
    • Event Link 
  • Wander the Wetlands
    • Date: July 17, 2025
    • Time: 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
    • Location: Kendall-Frost Marsh Reserve Field Station, 2055 Pacific Beach Dr., San Diego
    • Event Link
  •  Art and Wellness at Silverwood Wildlife Sanctuary: Natural Dye Workshop
    • Date: July 19, 2025
    • Time: 8:00 AM - 11:30 AM
    • Location: Silverwood Wildlife Sanctuary, 13003 Wildcat Canyon Road, Lakeside
    • Event Link
  •  Restoration with San Diego River Park Foundation
    • Date: July 22, 2025
    • Time: 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM
    • Location: Ocean Beach – Dog Beach, 5156 W Point Loma Blvd, San Diego
    • Event Link
  • Wander the Wetlands: Work Party
    • Date: July 26, 2025
    • Time: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
    • Location: 2055 Pacific Beach Dr, San Diego
    • Event Link
 Palomar Audubon Society
  • Wm Heise County Park/Santa Ysabel Mission Field Trip
    • Date: July 5, 2025
    • Time: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
    • Location: Wm Heise County Park 4945 Heise Park Road, Julian
    • Event Link
​​​​​Buena Vista Audubon Society
  • Rancho Carrillo Trail
    • Date: July 4, 2025
    • Time: 7:30 AM – 8:30 AM
    • Location: Rancho Carrillo Trail, Carlsbad
    • Event Link
  • Whelan Lake Bird Sanctuary Walk
    • Date: July 5, 2025
    • Time: 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM
    • Location: Whelan Lake, 3650 North River Road, Oceanside
    • Event Link
  • El Corazon Garrison Creek (Oceanside)
    • Date: July 9, 2025
    • Time: 7:30 AM – 9:00 AM
    • Location: El Corazon Park 3210 Oceanside Blvd, Oceanside
    • Event Link
  • 2025 Summer Camp
    • Dates: July 14-18, 2025
    • Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
    • Location: Buena Vista Nature Center,2202 South Coast Hwy., Oceanside
    • Event Link
  • Birding with Barbara
    • Date: July 19, 2025
    • Time: 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM
    • Location: See link for location
    • Event Link
  • Nature Journaling
    • Date: July 20, 2025
    • Time: 12:30 PM – 3:30 PM
    • Location:  San Elijo Nature Center, 2710 Manchester Avenue, Encinitas
    • Event Link

San Diego Botanical Gardens

  • Bird Walk
    • Date: July 16, 2025
    • Time: 8:00 AM
    • Location: San Diego Botanical Gardens, 300 Quail Gardens Dr., Encinitas
    • Event Link
  • Butterfly Walk (specific walks not yet listed on website calendar – confirm before going by calling 760-436-3036)
    • Dates: 2nd and 4th Mondays of the month
    • Time: 10:00 AM
    • Location: San Diego Botanical Gardens, 300 Quail Gardens Dr., Encinitas
    • Event Link

San Dieguito River Valley Conservancy

  • Visit SDRVC @ The ECO Hut @ the San Diego County Fair
    • Dates: July 1-6, 2025
    • Time: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
    • Location: Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar
    • Event Link
  • Yoga at the Birdwing
    • Dates: July 6, 12 and 20, 2025
    • Time: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
    • Location: Birdwing Open Air Classroom, 15737 San Andres Dr, Del Mar
    • Event Link
  • July Trails and Ales
    • Date: July 8, 2025
    • Time: 4:00 PM – 7:30 PM
    • Location: Crest Canyon Trailhead, Lozano Rd., Del Mar
    • Event Link
  • SDRVC Monthly Walk N Talk
    • Date: July 25, 2025
    • Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
    • Location: San Dieguito Lagon Staging Area, 15648 San Andres Dr., Del Mar
    • Event Link
 San Elijo Lagoon Nature Collective
  • Discovery Tour
    • Date: July 5, 2025
    • Time: 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
    • Location: San Elijo Lagoon, Nature Center Loop Trail, 2710 Manchester Ave., Cardiff-by-the-Sea
    • Event Link
  •  Coffee and Connections Open House
    • Date: July 11, 2025
    • Time: 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
    • Location: San Elijo Lagoon, Nature Center Loop Trail, 2710 Manchester Ave., Cardiff-by-the-Sea
    • Event Link
  • Wildlife Tour
    • Date: July 12, 2025
    • Time: 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM
    • Location: San Elijo Lagoon (location will be emailed)
    • Event Link

Living Coast Discovery Center

  • Bilingual Sweetwater Safari Hike
    • Date: July 5, 2025
    • Time: 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
    • Location: Living Coast Discovery Center, 1000 Gunpowder Point Drive, Chula Vista
    • Event Link
  • Sweetwater Safari Hike
 Tijuana Estuary
  • Nature Walk:  An Eye-Opening Experience Without Sight
    • Date: July 5, 2025
    • Time: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
    • Location: Tijuana Estuary Visitor Center, 301 Caspian Wy, Imperial Beach
    • Event Link
  • Bird Walk
    • Dates: July 6 and 20, 2025
    • Time: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
    • Location: Tijuana Estuary Visitor Center, 301 Caspian Wy, Imperial Beach
    • Event Link
  •  Nature Walk
    • Date: July 12, 2025
    • Time:  11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
    • Location: 5th Street & Iris Avenue, 5th St & Iris Ave, Imperial Beach
    • Event Link
  • Explore the Colors of the Estuary: A Community Art Therapy Experience
    • Date: July 13, 2025
    • Time: 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
    • Location: Tijuana Estuary Visitor Center, 301 Caspian Wy, Imperial Beach
    • Event Link
  • Nature Book Club
    • Date: July 26, 2025
    • Time:  10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
    • Location:  Tijuana Estuary Visitor Center, 301 Caspian Wy, Imperial Beach
    • Event Link
  • Nature Walk
    • Dates: July 26, 2025
    • Time:  11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
    • Location: Tijuana Estuary Visitor Center, 301 Caspian Wy, Imperial Beach
    • Event Link

Additional Resources:

San Diego Bird Alliance (Formerly Audubon)
Buena Vista Audubon Society
Palomar Audubon Society
San Diego Natural History Museum Canyoneers Hikes
San Diego Natural History Museum Nat Talks
San Diego Natural History Museum Community Science
San Dieguito River Valley Conservancy
San Dieguito Lagoon
San Elijo Lagoon
Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve
Living Coast Discovery Center
San Diego County Parks and Recreation
California Native Plant Society San Diego Chapter
San Diego Canyonlands
Wildlife Research Organization
Ramona Barn Owls
Project Wildlife
 
 


Organizations we support:

San Diego Bird Alliance (Formerly Audubon)
Wildlife Research Institute
Cornell Lab of Ornithology
Project Wildlife
Ramona Barn Owls