Newsletter - August 2025
Wild Birds Unlimited - San Diego Events:
August Events:
In-Store Presentation: Saturday, August 16th at 11:00 AM.
Topic: 5 Steps to Backyard Bird Feeding Mastery
Join us at the Scripps Ranch WBU store for a special presentation by owner Dan Payne. Learn about the five steps you can take to make your yard a "happy place" for your birds!
Here's a hint: some things are quite basic, some things vary by the season, and some things are completely up to you to discover about the uniqueness of your yard. Oh, and they're all interrelated!
We'll give you the tools you need to evaluate your habitat to attract even more birds and enhance your enjoyment of the hobby.
Bring a friend! Spreading the joy of bird feeding is one of our biggest goals. The more people we can bring into the hobby helps to increase advocacy for the birds and the conservation of their habitat.
Quote of the Month:
August is the month of the high-sailing hawks. The hen hawk is the most noticeable. He likes the haze and calm of these long, warm days. He is a bird of leisure and seems always at his ease. How beautiful and majestic are his movements!
– John Burroughs
Spotlight:
San Diego’s Multiple Species Conservation Program: A Vision for Biodiversity in Action
Nestled between coastal bluffs, oak-studded hillsides, and chaparral-covered canyons, San Diego County is home to one of the most biologically diverse regions in the continental United States. This rich natural heritage, however, faces increasing threats from urban development, invasive species, and climate change. Recognizing the need for proactive and large-scale conservation planning, San Diego launched one of the most ambitious efforts of its kind: the Multiple Species Conservation Program (MSCP).
The Birth of a Landmark Program
The origins of the MSCP date back to the early 1990s, when California’s Natural Community Conservation Planning (NCCP) Act of 1991 was enacted to encourage regional conservation strategies that could protect entire ecosystems rather than individual endangered species. This act was created in tandem with the federal Endangered Species Act, which was increasingly being used to challenge land development projects. San Diego, at the time one of the fastest-growing regions in the country, faced a critical choice: allow unchecked urban sprawl or embrace a model of smart, environmentally sound growth.
After six years of planning, negotiation, and collaboration among city planners, developers, environmentalists, biologists, and government agencies, the City of San Diego officially adopted the first subarea plan of the MSCP in 1997. This foundational agreement paved the way for a broader regional plan that would ultimately protect more than 85 species and hundreds of thousands of acres of sensitive habitat over a 50-year period. It was a groundbreaking moment in American land-use planning - one where conservation and development would finally have a chance to coexist.
A Regional Strategy with Broad Participation
The MSCP is not just one plan, but rather a collaborative framework involving multiple jurisdictions. The core MSCP area focuses on southwestern San Diego County, covering over 582 square miles (approximately 372,000 acres). It includes participation from the City of San Diego, the County of San Diego, and the cities of Chula Vista, Santee, La Mesa, Poway, El Cajon, Coronado, and Del Mar. Public agencies like the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) also play vital roles, along with local water districts, military installations like Camp Pendleton, environmental nonprofits, and private landowners.
The primary objective of the MSCP is to create a regional network of interconnected preserves that protect entire plant communities, watersheds, and wildlife corridors. By doing so, the program avoids the piecemeal approach to conservation that often fails to account for the ecological interdependence of species. The plan currently identifies over 98,000 acres in the South County alone that should be preserved as part of the habitat network. Much of this land has already been set aside through direct purchase, conservation easements, and development mitigation agreements.
Habitats and Species at the Heart of the MSCP
The MSCP targets an array of critical habitats, including coastal sage scrub, chaparral, oak woodland, vernal pools, riparian corridors, grasslands, and wetlands. These diverse ecosystems are home to species such as the California gnatcatcher, Quino checkerspot butterfly, San Diego horned lizard, and numerous rare plants like Ambrosia pumila. The gnatcatcher, in particular, has become an icon of habitat conservation in Southern California, as its dwindling population helped catalyze the regional planning approach in the first place.
By focusing on habitat preservation rather than individual species, the MSCP is able to create landscape-scale conservation benefits. This approach also streamlines environmental regulations for developers, as long as they comply with the conservation plan and its permit requirements. In short, the MSCP makes it possible for growth and preservation to move forward together—avoiding unnecessary delays while maintaining environmental integrity.
Monitoring, Management, and Science-Based Adaptation
One of the most forward-thinking aspects of the MSCP is its commitment to ongoing biological monitoring. Since the late 1990s, participating jurisdictions have been required to conduct regular monitoring of species populations, habitat conditions, and ecosystem health. This is done through a detailed Biological Monitoring Plan, which sets out protocols for surveying everything from plant regeneration and bird populations to the spread of invasive species.
Adaptive management is a central tenet of the program. As new data becomes available, land managers can adjust their stewardship practices to better respond to ecological challenges. For example, if invasive grasses begin to outcompete native plants, restoration efforts can be directed to those high-priority areas. This commitment to data-driven conservation helps ensure that the MSCP remains effective in the face of changing environmental conditions, including the growing threat of climate change.
Where Things Stand Today
Nearly three decades after its launch, the MSCP has made significant progress. Vast stretches of natural land have been protected in perpetuity, particularly in areas surrounding Mission Trails Regional Park, Otay Mountain Wilderness, and the San Diego National Wildlife Refuge. These protected areas form part of a growing “greenbelt” around the urban core of San Diego, ensuring that wildlife can move freely between habitat patches and that residents can enjoy access to nature.
However, the work is far from done. Some key habitat areas still remain unprotected and vulnerable to development. Additionally, emerging threats like drought, wildfires, and disease (such as those affecting oak trees) continue to test the resilience of the reserve network. Local jurisdictions are in the process of updating their subarea plans to reflect current conditions and to prepare for long-term sustainability.
How You Can Get Involved
The success of the MSCP depends not only on government action but also on public participation. There are numerous ways San Diegans can support this landmark conservation program:
- Volunteer for habitat restoration
Join local efforts to remove invasive species, plant natives, restore trails, and clean up natural areas:
- Join community science projects
Help track species through bird counts, plant surveys, and other field data collection efforts:
- Support local bond measures and land conservation funding
Conservation relies on public investment. Stay informed and vote in support of open space:
- Make your yard a conservation ally
Native plants and wildlife-friendly landscaping make a difference. Get started here:
- Attend public workshops and MSCP hikes
Educational events hosted by the County and City of San Diego make conservation accessible and fun:
- Own property near preserved land? Consider conservation options
Explore easements, stewardship programs, or voluntary conservation partnerships:
These links connect you directly with trusted programs already making a difference on the ground in San Diego. Whether you’re restoring habitat on weekends, observing birds in your backyard, or voting for open space protections, your efforts support the larger MSCP vision - a connected, resilient, and thriving wildland network for generations to come.
Why This Matters for Our Store
As a business that provides wild bird seed and feeders, our customers are deeply connected to the natural world around them. The MSCP isn’t just a government program - it’s a living example of how we, as a community, can come together to protect the birds and wildlife that bring so much joy to our lives. Healthy bird populations depend on healthy habitats. The sparrows, finches, hummingbirds, and raptors we see in our backyards are part of a much larger web of life that the MSCP helps preserve.
By supporting this program and helping our customers learn about it, we strengthen our community’s role as stewards of San Diego’s extraordinary natural heritage.
Together, we can ensure that the birds we feed today have a home tomorrow. The MSCP is one of the most important conservation efforts in Southern California - let's keep it growing.
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Bird of the Month: Lesser Goldfinch
 Female and Male Lesser Goldfinch, Scripps Ranch, California
Fun Facts About the Lesser Goldfinch
Physical Characteristics & Identification
- World’s tinniest true finch – Adults measure just 9–12 cm (3.5–4.7 in) and weigh a minuscule 8–11.5 g, making them smaller than many common sparrows
- Distinctive conical bill & notched tail – A classic finch silhouette with sharp head, pointed wings, and a subtly indented tail
- Striking male plumage – Bright yellow belly, glossy black cap, and bold white wing and tail patches; backs vary between solid black or dull green depending on location
- Subtle female/immature plumage – Olive-green backs, soft yellow underparts, pronounced white wing bars, and yellow undertail feathers (unlike American Goldfinch which have white)
Geographic Variation & Color Morphs
- Back color morphs: Strong geographic cline — green-backed west of the Rockies; increasingly black-backed from Colorado through Texas and much of Mexico
- Five proposed subspecies: Including S. p. hesperophilus, witti, psaltria, jouyi, and colombianus, though modern research leans toward calling them clinal variations, not distinct subspecies
Range, Habitat & Movements
- Vast range across the Americas: From the Southwestern U.S. up into Washington state, down to Peru and Venezuela
- Range expanding northwards: Over recent decades, they’ve become year-round residents in the Pacific Northwest, with breeding reported in Oregon and Washington
- Seasonal movement patterns: Northern birds retreat south or to lower elevations during winter, but exact destinations remain mysterious
- Adaptable habitats: Found in chaparral, oak, pinyon-juniper, riparian woodlands, scrub, suburban gardens, and parks—basically any semi-open area with small seeds
Feeding Ecology & Behavior
- Seed specialists: Favor seeds from the sunflower family (sunflower, thistle, amaranth), but also consume buds, flowers, and fruits
- Frequent feeder attendees: Love Nyjer® feeders and will hang out all day when seeds are plentiful
- Acrobatic and bold: Agile movement, not shy about chasing away larger birds at crowded feeders
- Flocking social structure: Remain in small flocks year-round; winter flocks can swell into groups of several dozen to hundreds
- Soil-eating behavior (geophagy): Occasionally observed eating soil—likely to balance nutrients or aid digestion
- To attract them to your yard: In addition to Nyjer feeders, use lightweight tube feeders that accommodate their size, provide backyard access to small seeds and safe perches, and maintain weedy field patches or native wildflowers to support their seed diet
Vocalizations & Song
- Distinctive calls: Sharp, repetitive “chig-chig-chig” notes are common during flight and social interaction
- Complex, mimicking songs: Male song combines whistles, trills, stutters, and short imitations of species like flycatchers, thrashers, kestrels, jays—creating a pleasingly “jumbled” melody
- Song variation mirrors habitat: Western individuals employ looser structures and mimic more than Eastern counterparts
Nesting & Reproduction
- Nest structure & placement: Cup-shaped nests constructed from lichens, rootlets, bark strips; typically placed 1–2.5 m (4–8 ft) up in shrubs or slender twigs, often hidden under grapevines or leaf cover
- Clutch size & incubation: Produce 3–4 bluish-white eggs, incubated for approximately 12 days; fledging to follow shortly after
- Flexible breeding seasons: Northern birds breed in summer; tropical populations may breed nearly year-round with a slight pause in autumn
Molt & Age
- Geographically varied molt schedules:
- Pacific populations: post-breeding molt; juvenile males lose more flight feathers transitioning to adult plumage
- Eastern/mesic birds: two molts—pre- and post-breeding—tied to rainfall patterns
- Lifespan record: The oldest documented individual lived 5 years and 8 months, based on Cornell banding records
Taxonomy & Conservation
- Scientific background: Spinus psaltria, described in 1822 by Thomas Say; belongs to the New World finch clade along with American and Lawrence’s Goldfinches
- Genus debate: Some taxonomists proposed moving psaltria into Astragalinus, but major lists (IOC, BirdLife) keep it within Spinus
- IUCN status: Classified as Least Concern due to extensive population and range, though localized declines have been noted (e.g., Ecuadorian Andes)
Interactions & Anecdotes
- Habitat neighbors: Often seen sharing habitat and feeders with House Finches, Pine Siskins, Common Redpolls, especially in mixed-seed offerings
- Curious nature: Known to investigate desert yard plant seedheads—leave dried blooms until after seed-eating visits to attract them
- Prey for predators: Fall under predation by ground-dwelling birds like roadrunners in desert environments
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What’s happening in San Diego:
San Diego Bird Alliance (formerly San Diego Audubon Society)
- Restoration at the San Diego River Mouth
- Date: August 1, 2025
- Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Location: Ocean Beach – Dog Beach, 5156 W Point Loma Blvd, San Diego
- Event Link
- San Diego Pelagic Trips (Proceeds benefit Buena Vista Audubon Society)
- Dates: August 9, 10 and 23, 2025
- Time: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Location: 1717 Quivira Road, San Diego (double check)
- Event Link
- Wander the Wetlands: Paint and Bird Sit
- Date: August9, 2025
- Time: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
- Location: Kendall Frost Marsh, Crown Point Drive, San Diego
- Event Link
- Restoration with San Diego River Park Foundation
- Queer Hike: Lake Hodges
- Date: August 16, 2025
- Time: 6:00 AM – 9:00 AM
- Location: Del Dios Community Park 20175 Lake Dr. Escondido
- Event Link
- Birding Outing: Famosa Slough
- Date: August 16, 2025
- Time: 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM
- Location: 4285 W. Pt. Loma Blvd, San Diego
- Event Link
- Drawing Birds with David Stump: A Two-Day Workshop (Aug 16 & 23)
- Dates: August 16 and 23, 2025
- Time: 9:30 AM - 2:00 PM
- Location: REI Recreation Room (North building) at 5556 Copley Dr., San Diego
- Event Link
- Bird Outings: Birding at Lindo Lake – East Side
- Date: August20, 2025
- Time: 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM
- Location: Lindo Lakes, 12660 Lindo Ln, Lakeside
- Event Link
- Wander the Wetlands: Work Party
- Date: August23, 2025
- Time: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
- Location: 2055 Pacific Beach Dr, San Diego
- Event Link
Palomar Audubon Society
- Old Bonsall Golf Course
- Date: August 2, 2025
- Time: 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM
- Location: Bonsall Community Church at 31552 Old River Rd, Bonsall
- Event Link
- Oak Hill Memorial Park Field Trip
- Date: August 9, 2025
- Time: 8:00 AM – 11:30 AM
- Location: 2640 Glenridge Rd, Escondido
- Event Link
- Stonewall Mine & Cuyamaca Lake
- Date: August 16, 2025
- Time: 8:00 AM – 11:30 AM
- Location: Julian - see website for directions
- Event Link
- Robb Field/San Diego River Tidal Mud Flats Bird Walk
- Date: August 23, 2025
- Time: 8:00 AM – 11:30 AM
- Location: Robb Field Recreation Center, 2525 Bacon St, San Diego
- Event Link
- Guajome Regional Park Field Trip
- Date: August 30, 2025
- Time: 8:00 AM – 11:30 AM
- Location: Guajome Regional Park, 3003 Guajome Lake Rd, Oceanside
- Event Link
Buena Vista Audubon Society
- Rancho Carrillo Trail
- Date: August 1, 2025
- Time: 7:30 AM – 8:30 AM
- Location: Rancho Carrillo Trail, Carlsbad
- Event Link
- Whelan Lake Bird Sanctuary Walk
- Date: August 2, 2025
- Time: 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM
- Location: Whelan Lake, 3650 North River Road, Oceanside
- Event Link
- Kids’ Nature Clubhouse and Trail Exploration
- Date: August 10, 2025
- Time: 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
- Location: Buena Vista Nature Center,2202 South Coast Hwy., Oceanside
- Event Link
- El Corazon Garrison Creek (Oceanside)
- Date: August 13, 2025
- Time: 7:30 AM – 9:00 AM
- Location: El Corazon Park, 3210 Oceanside Blvd, Oceanside
- Event Link
- Birding with Barbara
- Date: August 16, 2025
- Time: 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM
- Location: See link for location
- Event Link
- Nature Journaling
- Date: August 24, 2025
- Time: 12:00 PM – 3:30 PM
- Location: Cottonwood Creek Park, 95 N. Vulcan Ave., Encinitas
- Event Link
- Preschool Nature Storytime at the Nature Center
- Date: August 25, 2025
- Time: 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM
- Location: Buena Vista Nature Center,2202 South Coast Hwy., Oceanside
- Event Link
San Diego Botanical Gardens
- Bird Walk
- Date: August 13, 2025
- Time: 8:00 AM
- Location: San Diego Botanical Gardens, 300 Quail Gardens Dr., Encinitas
- Event Link
- Butterfly Walk
- Dates: August 11 and 25, 2025
- Time: 10:00 AM
- Location: San Diego Botanical Gardens, 300 Quail Gardens Dr., Encinitas
- Event Link
San Dieguito River Valley Conservancy
- Creekside Critters with Raptor Ridge
- Date: August 2, 2025
- Time: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Location: Del Mar Branch Library, 1309 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar
- Event Link
- Yoga at the Birdwing
- Dates: August 3, 9 and 17, 2025
- Time: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
- Location: Birdwing Open Air Classroom, 15737 San Andres Dr, Del Mar
- Event Link
- Gonzalez Canyon Habitat Restoration
- Date: August 23, 2025
- Time: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
- Location: 13655 Sword Way, 13655 Sword Way, San Diego
- Event Link
- SDRVC Monthly Walk N Talk
- Date: August 29, 2025
- Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Location: San Pasqual Valley Staging Area, 18192 Bandy Canyon Road, Escondido
- Event Link
San Elijo Lagoon Nature Collective
- Discovery Tour
- Date: August 2, 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
- Wildlife Tour
- Date: August 9, 2025
- Time: 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM
- Location: San Elijo Lagoon (location will be emailed)
- Event Link
Living Coast Discovery Center
Tijuana Estuary
- Nature Walk: An Eye-Opening Experience Without Sight
- Date: August 2, 2025
- Time: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Location: Tijuana Estuary Visitor Center, 301 Caspian Wy, Imperial Beach
- Event Link
- Bird Walk
- Dates: August 3, 17 and 31, 2025
- Time: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
- Location: Tijuana Estuary Visitor Center, 301 Caspian Wy, Imperial Beach
- Event Link
- Nature Walk
- Date: August 9, 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: August 10, 2025
- Time: 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
- Location: Tijuana Estuary Visitor Center, 301 Caspian Wy, Imperial Beach
- Event Link
- Nature Book Club
- Date: August 23, 2025
- Time: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
- Location: Tijuana Estuary Visitor Center, 301 Caspian Wy, Imperial Beach
- Event Link
- Nature Walk
- Dates: August 23, 2025
- Time: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Location: Tijuana Estuary Visitor Center, 301 Caspian Wy, Imperial Beach
- Event Link
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